To ensure that toys are safe to purchase and use, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs jointly held a press conference on August 12. The BSMI explained toy inspection requirements and the relevant management system, while the TIPO outlined regulations concerning trademarks and copyright.
The BSMI explained that, under the national standards, a toy is defined as any product designed, manufactured, sold, displayed, or labeled for play by children under 14 years of age. At present, 31 categories of toys are subject to mandatory inspection. Before importation or release from the factory, such products must comply with inspection requirements and bear the Commodity Inspection Mark before they may be placed on the domestic market. Major inspection items include chemical properties, such as phthalate plasticizers and heavy metals; mechanical and physical characteristics, such as small parts and sharp edges; electrical properties, such as short-circuit protection and insulation; biological properties, such as aerobic plate count; and warnings as well as labeling. These requirements are intended to ensure toy safety and reduce risks to children during use.
The BSMI emphasized that it conducts annual market surveillance and sample-purchase testing on products in circulation, with particular attention to newly emerging and popular toys. Products found to have bypassed required inspection procedures are subject to fines of NT$200,000 to NT$2 million. Where the total value of the noncompliant products is less than NT$100,000, a fine of NT$10,000 to NT$100,000 may be imposed, together with an order to recall and rectify the products within a specified period. Failure to complete the recall and corrective action by the deadline may result in an additional fine of NT$100,000 to NT$1 million.
The BSMI noted that information on defective toys announced overseas, including notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the EU Safety Gate, is published on the BSMI's Product Safety Information website. The BSMI also notifies the Ministry of Health and Welfare to alert the public and relevant childcare institutions to stop using such products immediately. Domestic e-commerce platforms are also requested to remove such products as a precautionary measure, helping prevent unsafe toys from circulating and jointly strengthening the safety net for children.
The BSMI further stated that, as toy products continue to diversify and new products are constantly introduced, a wide range of usage risks may arise. It will continue to monitor developments in international standards, assess the characteristics and potential hazards of emerging products, and review inspection requirements on a rolling basis to further strengthen children's safety.
With respect to intellectual property protection, the TIPO reminded the public that toys or their packaging bearing unauthorized artistic designs constitute pirated goods under the Copyright Act, and the importation or sale of such goods may infringe copyright. Likewise, the use of the same or a similar registered trademark on goods without the consent of the trademark owner may constitute trademark infringement. Furthermore, the quality of such pirated toys is highly questionable. Members of the public who discover suspected infringing goods may submit relevant evidence and report the matter to the Intellectual Property Rights Investigation Corps of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior; local police authorities or police stations; or by calling the 110 emergency hotline.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs urges all sectors to support genuinely licensed toys and jointly protect intellectual property rights. When purchasing toys, consumers should select products that bear the Commodity Inspection Mark, have complete Chinese-language labeling, and are suitable for the child's age. Before use, consumers should carefully read the Chinese labeling and warnings. Children should not be allowed to bite or chew toys to avoid ingesting harmful substances, and attention should be paid to potential hazards involving small parts, magnets, batteries, cords, sharp edges, and sharp points. After use, children should be reminded to wash their hands, and the toy should be checked for integrity. If any damage, loose parts, or other abnormal condition is found, use should be discontinued immediately. In addition, toy safety awareness videos and a handbook on common toy hazards have been prepared and published on the BSMI website for public reference.
Related Information
1. Product Safety Information: https://safety.bsmi.gov.tw
2. Video Section (animated safety videos on Buckyballs, slime, expanding toys, etc.):
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/lp?ctNode=9349&CtUnit=3677&BaseDSD=7&mp=1
3. Handbook on Common Toy Hazards
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/public/Data/f1737018164988.pdf
Contact Person (Toy Inspection): Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, MOEA - Deputy Division Director Cheng
Tel.(O):+886-2343-1700 ext. 1211
Contact Person (Intellectual Property Rights): Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, MOEA - Division Director Hung
Tel.(O):+886-2376-7135