ANY person who fails to comply with the appropriate provisions on safety labeling and manufacturer’s markings found in the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for the safety of toys faces a fine of P50,000 or a jail term of not more than 2 years, under a bill awaiting the signature of President Aquino.
The House of Representatives has adopted the Senate version of the bill, Senate Bill 3367 otherwise known as the “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013” authored by Senators Manuel Villar, Jr. and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, shortly before adjourning sine die, doing away with the bicameral conference committee. This means the bill could be submitted directly to the President for his signature.
Under the bill, packaging of any descriptive material, and in case of bulk sales, bins, containers for retail display or vending machines from which the unpacked toy or game is dispensed, shall bear the cautionary statements with corresponding graphics intended for the use of children below 14 years old includes a small part and is manufactured for sale, offered for sale or distributed in commerce in the Philippines.
It provides protection to children against potential hazards to their health and safety by setting standardized labeling requirements for certain toys and games of children.
The Department of Health (DOH) is mandated to publish every six months the list of all misbranded or banned hazardous substances the sale, offer for sale and distribution of which shall not be allowed subject to the requirements of this Act.
The House version, House Bill 6529 or the “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2011” was authored by re-elected Reps. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga), Diosdado M. Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur) and Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City).
The bill provides for a safety and quality standards for consumer products by requiring that a consumer product for children be marked with or accompanied by clear safety warnings or instructions.
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