Brussels, 01/08/2012 (Agence Europe) - As part of the European toy safety campaign, EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani unveiled to reporters on Wednesday 1 August 2012 a video on toy safety (http://www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/toys-tips ) explaining how to buy safety toys and ensure they remain safe.
The video features CE-E, a singing robot, to introduce children to the idea of toy safety. The video also provides parents with access to toy safety tips on the dedicated campaign website.
The video explains safety concepts to be aware of when buying toys for children, such as never buying toys without the CE safety mark, which is a commitment from the toy maker that the toy complies with all applicable EU safety rules, which are amongst the strictest worldwide and guarantees that the toys have been carefully assessed against EU health, safety and environmental standards, backed up by efficient market surveillance by member states' authorities. Consumers are told not to buy toys with small detachable parts for children under three years of age to avoid the risk of choking. The video says it is important to read safety warnings and consumer information.
The Commission is currently running a toy safety information campaign targeting economic operators involved in toy manufacturing and marketing. The campaign, which uses seminars to raise manufacturer and retailer awareness of toy safety rules, started in January 2012 in Romania and went on to Bulgaria, France, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Ireland and Italy. The Commission also educates manufacturers in China, where most toys sold in the EU are made. (EH/transl.fl)