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SAFETY OF TOYS

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Title: SAFETY OF TOYS DIRECTIVE Author: David Steadman Last modified by: Nazipa Created Date: 3/16/2006 9:19:29 AM Document presentation format: On-screen Show – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: SAFETY OF TOYS


1
SAFETY OF TOYS
  • Directive Overview

2
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Market
  • In 2002 market gt 17 billion
  • imports 9 million
  • Safety important issue
  • Achievement of internal market by harmonisation
  • Development
  • Consumer protection

3
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Trade
  • Trading partners
  • USA 22 of exports
  • Far East 88 of imports
  • Opportunity
  • Export of high quality European goods
  • Improving market access to third countries

4
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Directive
  • 88/378/EEC
  • Council Directive of 3 May 1998 on the
    approximation of the laws of the Member States
    concerning the safety of toys
  • Amended by Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July
    1993

5
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Basis
  • 88/378/EEC (as amended)
  • Sets high level of protection for consumers
  • Relies on European standards
  • Relies on Notified Bodies
  • Undertake conformity assessment

6
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Scope
  • Article 1
  • Applies to toys
  • A toy is defined as
  • any product or material designed or clearly
    intended for use in play by children of less than
    14 years of age
  • Products listed in Annex I are not toys under
    this directive

7
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • List of products not considered as toys
  • Annex I
  • 1. Christmas decorations
  • 2. Detailed scale models for adult collectors
  • 3. Equipment intended to be used collectively in
    playgrounds
  • 4. Sports equipment

8
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Annex I (contd.)
  • 5. Aquatic equipment intended to be used in deep
    water
  • 6. Folk dolls and decorative dolls and other
    similar articles for adult collectors
  • 7. Professional' toys installed in public places
    (shopping centres, stations, etc.)
  • 8. Puzzles with more than 500 pieces or without
    picture, intended for specialists

9
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Annex I (contd.)
  • 9. Air guns and air pistols
  • 10 Fireworks, including percussion caps
  • With the exception of percussion caps
    specifically designed for use in toys without
    prejudice to more stringent provisions already
    existing in certain Member States.
  • 11. Slings and catapults
  • 12. Sets of darts with metallic points

10
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Annex I (contd.)
  • 13. Electric ovens, irons or other functional
    products operated at a nominal voltage exceeding
    24 volts
  • 14. Products containing heating elements intended
    for use under the supervision of an adult in a
    teaching context
  • 15. Vehicles with combustion engines
  • 16. Toy steam engines

11
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Annex I (contd.)
  • 17. Bicycles designed for sport or for travel on
    the public highway
  • 18. Video toys that can be connected to a video
    screen, operated at a nominal voltage exceeding
    24 volts
  • 19. Babies dummies
  • 20. Faithful reproductions of real fire arms
  • 21. Fashion jewellery for children

12
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Pacing on the market
  • Article 2
  • Do not jeopardize safety/health of users or third
    parties
  • Used as intended
  • Normal behaviour of children
  • Must meet safety and health requirements set down
    in the Directive
  • Sale and giving away

13
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Presumption of conformity
  • Article 5
  • Toys bearing CE marking are presumed to comply
    with the Directive
  • Presumption of conformity for toys satisfying
    national standards transposing harmonised
    European standards
  • Those listed in the OJ of EU
  • Also those having EC type-examination
  • Harmonised standards not fully applied or
    non-existent

14
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Presumption of conformity (contd.)
  • Where other directives requiring CE marking apply
    to the toy, it is presumed that the toy also
    satisfies these other directives

15
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Dossier
  • Article 8
  • Toys conforming to harmonised standards
  • Manufacturer or his authorised representative
    shall have available for inspection
  • Test reports or technical file ensuring
    conformity of production with harmonised
    standards
  • EC type-certificate drawn up by an approved body
    (if appropriate)
  • Copies of documents submitted to the approved
    body
  • Description of means ensuring continued
    conformity
  • Addresses of places of manufacture and storage
  • Detailed information concerning design and
    manufacture

16
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Dossier
  • Article 8 (contd.)
  • Toys not conforming to harmonised standards
  • Manufacturer or his authorised representative
    shall have available for inspection
  • a detailed description of manufacture,
  • a description of the means whereby the
    manufacturer ensures conformity with the approved
    model
  • the addresses of the places of manufacture and
    storage,
  • copies of the documents submitted to an approved
    body
  • the test certificate for the sample or a
    certified copy thereof.

17
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Approved Bodies
  • Article 9
  • Member States appoint approved bodies
  • Conditions to be fulfilled by approved bodies are
    given in Annex III
  • Member States inform the Commission and other MS
    of appointed approved bodies
  • The Commission assign the bodies an
    identification number
  • Bodies are listed in the OJ of the EU

18
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Marking
  • Article 11
  • Affixed to either the toy or its packaging shall
    be
  • CE marking
  • Name/trade name/mark and address of
  • Manufacturer
  • Or his authorised representative
  • Or importer into the Community
  • Marking shall be
  • Visible
  • Easily legible
  • indelible

19
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Marking
  • Article 11 (contd.)
  • For small toys or toys containing small parts,
    these particulars may be affixed
  • To the packaging
  • On a leaflet
  • On a label
  • In such instances the consumer should be advised
    to keep these details

20
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Article 11 requires that certain toys carry
    warnings and indications of precautions to be
    taken during the use of certain toys.
  • Member States may require such warnings to be
    given in their national language(s)
  • The warnings are given in Annex IV to the
    Directive

21
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV
  • Toys not intended for children under 36 months
  • Not suitable for children under 36 months'
  • Not suitable for children under three years
  • Plus brief description of specific risks
  • Does not apply to toys clearly not suitable for
    such young children

22
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV (contd.)
  • Slides, suspended swings and rings, trapezes,
    ropes and similar toys attached to a crossbeam
  • Instructions regarding checks and maintenance of
    main parts (suspensions, fixings, anchorages,
    etc.)
  • Possible results in failing to do this
  • Correct assembly

23
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV (contd.)
  • Functional toys
  • Warning to be used under the direct supervision
    of an adult'.
  • Directions for working instructions plus
    precautions
  • Specify hazards arising for failure to follow
    instructions
  • Indication that toy must be kept out of reach of
    very young children
  • Functional toys' means toys which are used in
    the same way as, and are often scale models of,
    appliances or installations intended for adults.

24
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV (contd.)
  • Toys containing inherently dangerous substances
    or preparations. Chemical toys
  • Warnings of dangerous nature of substances
  • Precautions to be taken
  • First aid to be given
  • Must be kept out of reach of very young children
  • Warning for children over (1) years of age
    only. For use under adult supervision'.
  • (1) age to be decided by the manufacturer

25
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV (contd.)
  • Skates and skateboards for children
  • Warning protective equipment should be worn'.
  • Instructions to include reminder that use with
    caution, great skill required, so as to avoid
    falls and collisions
  • Some indication of recommended personal
    protective equipment (helmets, gloves, knee-pads,
    elbow-pads, etc.)

26
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Warnings for certain toys
  • Annex IV (contd.)
  • Toys intended for use in water
  • This refers to toys intended for use in shallow
    water and capable of supporting/carrying a child
  • Warning! Only to be used in water in which the
    child is within its depth and under supervision'.

27
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Essential requirements (Annex II)
  • General Principles
  • Users and third parties should be protected
    against health hazards and risks of physical
    injury when toys are used as intended.
  • Such risks are
  • Connected to design, construction or composition
    of the toy
  • Inherent in its use

28
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Essential requirements (Annex II)
  • General Principles (contd.)
  • Degree of risk commensurate with ability of
    users
  • Particularly for toys intended for children under
    36 months
  • Minimum age of users/need for supervision
  • Labels and instructions for use must draw
    attention of users/supervisors of risks involved

29
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Essential requirements (Annex II)
  • Particular risks
  • 1. Physical and mechanical properties
  • Covering items such as sharp edges, risks due
    moving parts, toys and packaging must not present
    risk of strangulation.
  • 2. Flammability
  • Not readily flammable, if ignited they burn
    slowly, not explosive
  • 3. Chemical properties
  • due to ingestion, inhalation or contact with
    skin, mucous tissues or eyes.
  • Bioavailablity levels due to contact fixed at
    daily levels for antimony, arsenic, barium,
    cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium.

30
DIRECTIVE OVERVIEW
  • Essential requirements (Annex II)
  • Particular risks (contd.)
  • 4. Electrical properties
  • 24 V
  • No hot surfaces
  • 5. Hygiene
  • Hygienic and clean
  • 6. Radioactivity
  • not caontain amounts likely to be detrimental to
    health
  • Council Directive 80/836/Euratom shall apply

31
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32
SAFETY OF TOYS
  • Conformity Assessment

33
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 1 self-certification that a toy has been
    manufactured in conformity with relevant
    harmonised standards

34
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 1 (contd.)
  • Manufactured to relevant harmonised standards
  • Deemed to meet essential safety requirements
    (ESR)
  • If the standards cover all the elements of the
    ESR applicable to the toy
  • CE marking is fixed as a declaration by the
    manufacturer or his authorised representative.

35
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 1 (contd.)
  • This declaration (CE marking) is to the effect
    that the toy bearing it satisfies the essential
    safety requirements and has been manufactured in
    accordance with the relevant standards.

36
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 1 (contd.)
  • Tests must carried out to support this
    self-declaration
  • Information supporting CE marking must be
    maintained (see Article 8 of the Directive)
  • It may be necessary to use the services of an
    independent test laboratory.

37
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 manufactured in accordance with a model
    that has been EC type-examined

38
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • Open to manufacturers or their authorised
    representatives in the EU to apply for EC
    type-examination
  • Legally required only where relevant harmonised
    standards are inadequate to establish compliance
    with the ESR
  • Where standards do not exist for a particular
    area of the ESR
  • Existing standards are not comprehensive in this
    regard

39
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • EC type-examination
  • Article 10
  • EC type-examination is the procedure by which an
    approved body ascertains and certifies that a
    model of a toy satisfies the essential
    requirements referred to in Article 3.

40
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • Application to include
  • Description
  • Name and address of applicant and place of
    manufacture
  • Comprehensive manufacturing and design data
  • Model of toy

41
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • EC type-examination includes
  • Checking documentation is in order
  • Check toy is safe
  • Carry out appropriate tests and examinations to
    ensure essential requirements are met
  • Must use harmonised standards as far as possible
  • Where such standards do not cover the ESR
    applicable to the toy, any harmonised European
    standard relevant for the purpose
  • No relevant standards - approved body uses its
    professional judgement
  • Further models may be requested

42
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • An EC type-examination certificate is drawn up if
    toy complies
  • The Commission, other approved bodies and Member
    States may request a copy of the certificate
  • May also request a copy of the design and
    manufacturing schedule and reports on the
    examinations and tests carried out
  • If an approved body refuses to issue an EC
    type-examination certificate, it must
  • Inform its Member State and the Commission
  • giving its reasons for refusal

43
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • Having an EC type-certificate for a model
  • Manufacturer must ensure production toys comply
    with that model
  • CE marking can be applied to each production toy
  • as a self-declaration that it has been
    manufactured in accordance with a model that is
    the subject of an EC type-examination certificate

44
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • What is an Approved Body?
  • Article 9 of the Directive
  • Member States appoint approved bodies
  • Conditions to be fulfilled by approved bodies are
    given in Annex III
  • Member States inform the Commission and other MS
    of appointed approved bodies
  • The Commission assign the bodies an
    identification number
  • Bodies are listed in the OJ of the EU

45
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • Minimum conditions to be fulfilled by approved
    bodies (Annex III)
  • Personnel and equipment
  • Competence integrity
  • Independence
  • Professional secrecy
  • Insurance
  • Verification of qualifications

46
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Satisfying essential safety requirements
  • Method 2 (contd.)
  • EC type-examination certificates for toys may
    only be issued by a body established in the
    Community and notified by a Member State under
    the terms of the Safety of Toys directive

47
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48
SAFETY OF TOYS
  • Harmonised standards

49
Harmonised standards
  • What is a harmonised standard?
  • Directives define the essential requirements
  • The European standards bodies have the task of
    drawing up the corresponding technical
    specifications meeting the essential requirements
    of the directives
  • compliance with which will provide a presumption
    of conformity with the essential requirements
  • Such specifications are referred to as
    "harmonised standards"

50
Harmonised standards
  • Harmonised standards
  • are European standards
  • Adopted by CEN, CENELEC ETSI
  • Following a mandate issued by the European
    Commission
  • Developed through an open process
  • Consensus

51
Harmonised standards
  • Harmonised standards and directives
  • Presumption of conformity to an essential
    requirement within a new approach directive
  • From compliance to a harmonised standard
  • Reference number of which has been published in
    the OJ of the EU
  • That has been transposed as a national standard
    of at least one Member State

52
Harmonised standards
  • Harmonised standards and directives
  • Compliance to a harmonised standard still remains
    voluntary
  • Manufacturers have the option of using other
    means (standards) to provide compliance to the
    essential requirements
  • However, harmonised standards are the best way to
    demonstrate compliance

53
Harmonised standards
  • Harmonised standards and directives
  • Presumption of conformity can cease
  • Where the Commission or a Member State consider
    the standard does not satisfy the essential
    requirement
  • Publication in the OJ of the EU is then withdrawn
    by the Commission
  • Hence standard will no longer give a presumption
    of conformity

54
Harmonised standards
  • Harmonised standards relating to safety of toys
  • Majority are prefixed EN 71 followed by a part
    number

55
Harmonised standards
  • Safety of Toys harmonised standards
  • EN 71 Part 1
  • Mechanical and physical properties
  • EN 71 Part 2
  • Flammability
  • Specifies categories of flammable materials that
    are prohibited from use in toys. Assesses
    flammability of materials.
  • EN 71 Part 3
  • Migration of certain elements
  • Relates to the bioavailability levels of certain
    elements (item 3 of the essential requirements
    Chemical properties)

56
Harmonised standards
  • Safety of Toys harmonised standards
  • EN 71 Part 4
  • Experimental sets for chemistry and related
    activities
  • EN 71 Part 5
  • Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
  • Defines maximum quantities of substances/preparati
    ons classified as dangerous according to EU
    directives
  • EN 71 Part 6
  • Graphical symbols for age-warning labels
  • Symbol that is to be used on toys not suitable
    for under 3s

57
Harmonised standards
  • Safety of Toys harmonised standards
  • EN 71 Part 7
  • Finger paints requirements and test methods
  • EN 71 Part 8
  • Swings, slides and similar activity toys for
    indoor and outdoor family domestic use

58
Harmonised standards
  • Electric toys
  • EN 62115
  • Electric toys Safety
  • Deals with the safety of toys that have at least
    one function dependent on electricity. Examples
    of toys within the scope of this standard are
    constructional sets experimental sets
    functional toys (having a function similar to an
    appliance or installation used by adults) and
    video toys (toys having a screen and means of
    activation, such as a joystick or keyboard.
    Separate screens having a rated voltage of more
    than 24 V are not considered to be part of the
    toy). Toys using electricity for secondary
    functions are also within the scope of this
    standard (a dolls house having an interior lamp
    is an example of such a toy).

59
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60
SAFETY OF TOYS
  • Market Surveillance

61
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Control and free movement
  • Article 3 of the Directive requires
  • Member States to have controls in place to
    prevent non-complying toys being placed on the
    market

62
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Control and free movement
  • Article 4 of the Directive requires
  • Member States may not impede the sale of toys
    that comply with the requirements

63
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Principles
  • Enforcement of Community legislation is an
    obligation on Member States
  • Article 10 of the EC Treaty requires Member
    States to take all appropriate measures to ensure
    fulfilment of their obligation arising out of the
    Treaty.

64
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Principles (contd.)
  • Market surveillance is an essential tool for
    enforcing New Approach directives, in particular
  • Taking measures to check products comply
  • Taking action to bring non-compliant products
    into compliance
  • Applying sanction when necessary

65
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Purpose
  • To ensure that the provisions of applicable
    directives are complied with across the Community
  • Citizens entitled to equivalent level of
    protection irrespective of the origin of the
    product
  • Market surveillance is important for economic
    operators by helping to eliminate unfair
    competition

66
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Authorities
  • Member States must establish or nominate
    authorities to be responsible for market
    surveillance
  • These authorities need
  • have the necessary resources and powers
  • ensure technical competence and professional
    integrity of their personnel,
  • To be independent and non-discriminatory

67
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Authorities (contd.)
  • Notified (Approved) bodies should be excluded
    from this activity
  • Avoids conflict of interest

68
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Activities
  • Market surveillance involves two main stages
  • National authorities monitor products placed on
    their market
  • Products comply with the national legislation
    transposing the new approach directives
  • When necessary take action to establish conformity

69
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Activities
  • Market surveillance involves two main stages
  • Although surveillance operations can not take
    place during the design and production stages
  • Efficient enforcement requires cooperation
    between manufacturers and suppliers to prevent
    non-compliant products being placed on the market

70
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Activities
  • Surveillance authorities shall
  • regularly visit commercial, industrial and
    storage premises
  • regularly visit, if appropriate, work places and
    other premises where products are put into
    service
  • Not necessary for consumer products such as toys
  • organise random and spot checks
  • take samples of products, and to subject them to
    examination and testing and
  • require all necessary information

71
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Corrective actions
  • Party notified
  • Before any action taken
  • possibility of being consulted (unless matter is
    urgent)
  • Corrective action
  • Depends on level of non-compliance
  • Established on a case by case basis
  • Principle of proportionality

72
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Corrective actions (contd.)
  • Manufacturer, or the authorised representative
  • Obliged to make product comply
  • Remedy the infringement
  • Where these measures fail
  • Restriction or prohibition of placing product on
    the market
  • Withdrawal from market

73
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Complementary activities
  • Authorities should
  • Act in collaboration with manufacturers and
    suppliers
  • Take action against those responsible
  • Be able to warn persons to destroy dangerous
    products
  • Ban the export, prohibit the use of such products
  • Require certificates to be withdrawn

74
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safeguard Clause
  • designed to allow the Commission to analyse the
    justification of national measures restricting
    the free movement of CE marked products
  • All national surveillance authorities informed
  • Restrictions extended to all Member States
  • Equivalent level of protection throughout the
    Community

75
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safeguard clause procedure
  • Concerning dangerous or non-compliant products,
    Member States are obliged to
  • Restrict or forbid placing on the market
  • Withdraw from the market
  • Applies to products
  • Covered by New Approach directives
  • Carry CE marking
  • Present a substantial hazard

76
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safeguard clause procedure (contd.)
  • Applies to national measures that
  • Restrict or forbid products being placed on the
    market
  • Have a product withdrawn from the market
  • Relate to all products of the same batch or
    series
  • Have binding legal effects

77
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safeguard clause procedure (contd.)
  • Member State must notify Commission immediately
  • Supporting evidence justifying the action
  • If Commission agrees on action
  • It informs the other Member States
  • In turn required to take necessary measures on
    their territory

78
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • RAPEX
  • This is a rapid information exchange system
  • Arising from the Directive on general product
    safety
  • For emergency situations
  • Dangers arising from the use of consumer goods

79
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Administrative co-operation
  • Member States are obligated
  • National Surveillance Authorities and the
    Commission
  • Provide mutual assistance
  • Proper and uniform application of New Approach
    directives
  • List of national surveillance authorities
    designated as contact points

80
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Products imported from third countries
  • A third country manufacturer
  • Has same responsibilities as one based in the EU
  • May appoint authorised representative based in
    the EU
  • If no authorised representative, the importer or
    person responsible for placing product on market
    has some responsibility

81
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Products imported from third countries (contd.)
  • Customs shall monitor these products entering the
    Community
  • They may suspend the release of goods
  • they consider to offer a serious risk
  • That have incorrect documentation
  • That have incorrect marking
  • They must pay particular attention to the CE
    marking of toys
  • Liaise with the surveillance authorities

82
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safety of Toys Directive
  • Article 12
  • Member States are obliged to carry out sample
    checks
  • Obtain access to place of manufacture and of
    storage
  • Obtain technical data relating to EC
    type-examination (Article 8)
  • Select sample for test and examination

83
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
  • Safety of Toys Directive
  • Article 12
  • Every three years, Member States shall send the
    Commission a report on the application of this
    Directive.

84
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85
SAFETY OF TOYS
  • UK Implementation

86
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • UK Law
  • The Toys (Safety ) Regulations 1995
  • Statutory Instrument 1995 No. 204
  • Entered into force on 24 February 1995
  • Made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987

87
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Language
  • The warning notices as specified in Annex IV to
    the Safety of Toys Directive shall be in English
  • Clause 10 (8) of SI 2004 No. 204

88
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Deciding whether a product is a toy
  • Definitions and exemptions are those as given on
    the Directive
  • Exempted items must be reasonably safe under the
    General Product Safety regulations or any
    specific EU Directive that may apply

89
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Deciding whether a product is a toy (contd.)
  • Only the courts can decide whether an item comes
    within the definition of a toy

90
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of consumer safety legislation -
    including the toys safety Regulations
  • Overall policy responsibility
  • Department of Trade and Industrys Consumer
    Safety Unit

91
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations
  • Trading standards departments of local
    authorities in England, Scotland and Wales
  • Environmental Health Departments of District
    Councils in Northern Ireland
  • are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of toy
    safety Regulations

92
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • These authorities
  • Have a statutory duty to enforce these, and other
    safety regulations,
  • using the provisions of the Consumer Protection
    Act 1987

93
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • These authorities
  • make test purchases
  • issue suspension notices prohibiting the supply
    of consumer products
  • which are considered to be unsafe
  • seek information
  • enter premises at any reasonable time
  • apply to a magistrates court (sheriffs court in
    Scotland) for an order for such products to be
    forfeited and destroyed and
  • bring criminal prosecutions in a magistrates
    court.

94
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • Enforcement action can be taken at any point in
    the supply chain.
  • The Secretary of State may also exercise powers
    under the 1987Act.
  • In addition, Customs Officers are empowered to
    detain goods at the port of entry for up to three
    working days to allow enforcement authorities to
    make initial enquiries about the safety of the
    goods detained.

95
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Appeals procedures
  • The 1987 Act also provides means for suppliers to
    appeal to a magistrates court (sheriffs court
    in Scotland) against a suspension notice and
    apply for compensation for costs in certain
    circumstances.
  • Suppliers are, of course, able to appeal against
    enforcement action to higher courts in
    appropriate circumstances.

96
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Due diligence
  • Suppliers of consumer goods, including toys, may
    have access to the defence of due diligence
  • allows a supplier to argue that he took all
    reasonable steps
  • exercised all due diligence to avoid committing
    the alleged offence.

97
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • This applies
  • whether the toys originate in another member
    State
  • or were imported direct into the UK from a third
    country.

98
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • Power to order tests where technical information
    does not exist
  • Enforcement authorities have the power to require
    toys to be tested at the suppliers own expense
  • To establish that essential requirements have
    been satisfied

99
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • Duties of the enforcement authorities
  • Give a notice to the responsible person of their
    intent regarding suspension from sale
  • Give notice to the Secretary of State of any
    suspension notice served

100
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Enforcement of the Regulations (contd.)
  • The Regulations require that any prosecution for
    an offence must be brought within 12 months from
    the commission of that offence
  • It is an offence to contravene the terms of a
    suspension notice issued by a local authority
    trading standards department, or a prohibition
    notice issued by the Secretary of State.

101
UK IMPLEMENTATION
  • Consumer Protection Act
  • allows for the making of regulations dealing with
    the safety of consumer products,
  • sets out penalties for their infringement
  • and provides powers for the enforcement of such
    regulations.

102
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