Labels on toys now a law

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino has enacted a law mandating labels on toys and games to protect children from potential health hazards.

The Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013 requires every toy or game, whether imported or manufactured locally, to be compliant with the Philippine National Standards on safety labeling.

The law mandates that a cautionary statement be displayed on the main panel of a product’s package and on any descriptive materials accompanying it.

“The state shall ensure the protection of children against potential hazards to their health and safety by requiring special labeling of toys and games,” Republic Act No. 10620, enacted on Sept. 3, says.

Concerns had been growing about toys made with substances that were toxic, corrosive, flammable or combustible.

RA 10610 imposes a fine of up to P50,000 or imprisonment of up to two years.—TJ Burgonio