Every second Sunday of April, Peru celebrates the Peruvian Children’s Daydate on which it seeks to promote and protect the rights of children and adolescents in the country.
On the occasion of this commemoration, the indecopiin its role as governing body of the Integrated National System for Consumer Protectionprovides a series of recommendations so that families know how to identify safe toys and avoid buying toxic or harmful products for them.
Some of Indecopi’s recommendations include avoiding buying toys in informal establishments, checking that the toy or product label indicates the manufacturer’s name and address, verifying that the paint on the toy do not come off to the touch and do not buy toys that do not have instructions for use, precautionary measures or that do not guarantee the quality of the product.
- Avoid buying toys in informal establishments as they could contain toxic components and, consequently, not comply with current health regulations.
- Check that the label of the toy or product you wish to buy indicates the name, address and company name of the importer or manufacturer, the Registration number and the Sanitary Authorization of the manufacturer, importer, distributor and/or marketer (www.digesa.minsa.gob .pe/Expedientes/BusquedaRDJuguetes.aspx).
- Verify that the paint on the toy does not come off when touched, as this could indicate that it contains toxic substances such as lead, which, when ingested, would cause damage to health. Also check that all parts are well glued and that seams and edges are secure, if applicable.
- Remember that the label must indicate the minimum age of the minor so that he can use the toy. For example, there are toys with small parts that are not suitable for children under three (3) years of age, as they could be swallowed, putting their health at risk.
- Do not buy toys that do not have instructions for use, or precautionary measures and that do not guarantee the quality of the product, since, by not containing this information, the child may be exposed to an accident.
- Do not buy products that have been withdrawn from the domestic or foreign market for being dangerous. Check if there is any consumer alert on the product you wish to purchase at the following link: https://alertasdeconsumo.gob.pe/. If you have purchased one of these products, contact the supplier for the corresponding review.
- Remember that collectible figures for decorative purposes may look like toys, but their use is not recommended for minors. Therefore, carefully review the information on the labels to find out the warnings indicated by the supplier on the use of these products.
Although it is important to acquire quality products, in case of having any problem with the purchases, Indecopi makes the “Virtual Claim” platform available to consumers, the telephone lines 224 7777 (Lima) and 0 800 4 4040 (regions). as well as email [email protected] to file any claim.
For more information, you can consult the Indecopi website: www.indecopi.gob.pe. In addition, it is recommended to review the Digesa website to find out the Sanitary Authorization of toys: www.digesa.minsa.gob.pe/Expedientes/BusquedaRDJuguetes.aspx.
