Toy Safety: Authorities Accelerated

" When a child has a toy, it should be safe. "  The  Consumer Protection Unit  (CPU) does not compromise on the safety of toys. And to guarantee it, it has intensified its checks this shopping season period, says Jain Seegoolam,  Acting Head  of the organization. Raids on shops and randomly checks and inspections certificates, among others were on the agenda.

Jain Seegoolam also recalls that importers must comply with the regulations of the  Mauritius Standards Bureau  (MSB) before importing toys. It states that a certificate issued by an accredited laboratory must be submitted. " MSB verifye e si li satisfe li larg kargezon la. Si pena sertifika, ek CPU, zot pran bann esantiyon la dwane fer analyz"  he says.

As the import of toys not require a permit, importers try to elude the authorities. But Seegoolam Jain said that his team is driven to find visually sharp toys and detachable parts that are dangerous. The MSB is responsible for verification.

" If they do not pass the inspection, we go up the chain, "  he reassures, stressing that no toy is sold without an accredited certificate. Several tests, mechanical, among others, are made ??to ensure that the toy, the removable parts and the packaging does not present a risk of strangulation and suffocation. Flammability tests and radioactivity are also performed.

Jayen Chellum, general secretary of the Consumers Association of Mauritius, for its part calls for parents to be vigilant when shopping. He advised them to read the instructions on the box, the age groups that are indicated and pay attention to anything that may pose a danger to children. " There is, for example, mechanical toys that exceed 8 km / h, "  he argues. Jain Seegoolam abounds in the same direction. He believes that parents have their share of responsibility in the purchase of toys. " The tests do not mean that toys are 100%  safe . Parents should carefully examine before buying. "