As summer approaches, water-based leisure activities become increasingly popular, resulting in a surge in demand for seasonal water toys such as water pistols and swimming rings in European and American markets. Simultaneously, the preferences of European and American consumers for water toys are evolving, emphasizing not only practicality and safety but also enjoyment and innovation, thus presenting export manufacturers with expanded market opportunities.
I. Risks Pertaining to Quality and Safety
1. Physical Safety Risks
Water toys like water pistols and swimming rings come in a variety of designs, which may pose physical injury risks during usage. The following scenarios are primarily observed:
(1) Common designs of water toys include detachable small components, such as decorative buttons or tiny magnets, which can easily become dislodged during usage and pose choking or suffocation hazards to children.
(2) Sharp edges or points present in toys may result in lacerations to delicate skin or other fragile body areas of children, leading to unintended injuries.
(3) Certain water toys are equipped with wrist straps that secure the toy and user's wrist to prevent slipping. If the strap is excessively long, it might encircle the neck, posing risks such as suffocation for children.
(4) Water toys containing electronic components that remain in moist or submerged conditions for extended periods may experience issues like battery leakage and exposed wiring, which can lead to pool contamination and risks of electric shock to users.
2. Chemical Safety Risks
If water toys are manufactured with unsuitable materials, they could adversely impact both human health and the environment, exhibiting the following issues:
(1) Materials used in water toys may contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals, along with chemicals like phthalates, posing potential health threats to children. Countries in Europe and the United States have strict regulations regarding the permissible levels of these substances and mandate that manufacturers provide relevant test certifications.
(2) If water toys sustain damage during use or are inadequately disposed of following their disposal, the heavy metals and plasticizers such as phthalates they contain may leach into water bodies, causing long-term environmental and ecological contamination.
3. Drowning Hazard
Buoyancy aids like swimming rings must exhibit excellent physical characteristics, including sufficient buoyancy, durability, and stability, to prevent drowning incidents resulting from substandard structural design, lack of supervision, or incorrect usage. Specifications such as EN 13138-1:2021 outline detailed criteria regarding the prominence of protrusions, color visibility, warning labels, and in-water performance of swimming rings.
II. Primary Certification Requirements
1. CE Certification
Toys like water guns and swimming rings intended for the EU market must obtain CE certification, demonstrating compliance with the EU's safety, health, and environmental protection standards. CE certification encompasses various directives, including the Toy Safety Directive (TSD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). Products featuring wireless communication capabilities must also adhere to the Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
2. RoHS Directive
The RoHS Directive restricts the presence of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, among others. Manufacturers must ensure that product materials adhere to the RoHS Directive requirements and provide appropriate test certificates.
3. ASTM F963 Standard
Toys sold in the US must meet the ASTM F963 standard, which specifies requirements for materials, design methodologies, and manufacturing processes. Manufacturers should conduct testing of products and submit relevant test reports along with application materials.
4. CPSIA Certification
The US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) mandates that children’s products must satisfy a series of safety standards, including those related to physical, mechanical, and chemical elements. Manufacturers are obligated to subject their products to third-party laboratory testing and acquire test reports demonstrating adherence to CPSIA standards.
III. Customs Advisory
1. Understand the Regulations of Target Market
Exporters should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the technical regulations and standards of the intended market to ensure product compliance with relevant requirements. Additionally, exporters need to remain vigilant regarding updates and modifications to regulations to adapt their production and export strategies accordingly.
2. Prepare Comprehensive Documentation
Exporters should prepare comprehensive product test reports, certification documents, labeling, and additional relevant materials to facilitate seamless customs clearance procedures. Additionally, exporters need to be familiar with the import procedures and regulations of the target market to ensure the goods are successfully introduced there.
3. Strengthen Supply Chain Management
Effective supply chain management contributes to cost reduction, operational efficiency enhancement, and ensures the quality and safety of the products. Exporter needs to select reliable suppliers and manufacturers, strengthen the supervision of their production process and quality control, and ensure that products meet safety standards.
4. Monitor Market Feedback and Complaints
Exporters ought to closely monitor market feedback and consumer complaints, promptly gathering and addressing relevant issues. Upon identifying issues or risks, exporters must swiftly implement corrective actions and improvements to uphold the brand's credibility and protect consumer interests.
(Li Minjie)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
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