1. Market Surveillance of non-food products in Malta
Toy importers- September 2009

2. Toy importers- September 2009
History
Set up 1st February 2008
Taken over responsibilities previously under the Consumer and Competition Division and the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Economic Policy Division
Currently employing 4 persons
Toy importers- September 2009

3. What is Market Surveillance and Why?
Necessary
For more confidence in the market
Because of unfair market competition
Increased harmonisation in Europe
Ensure independence and comparison in control
Toy importers- September 2009

4. What is Market Surveillance and Why?
One simple task:
Ensure that producers and distributors comply with their obligations
Toy importers- September 2009

5. Toy importers- September 2009
This picture gives an impression of the different products we have to deal with, and you must realise this picture is by far not complete. For instance cosmetics are missing but also playground equipment and fairground attractions.
For a number of these products there are specific regulations based on European legislation. But for others the GPSD is the only applicable legislation, for example the chair, the step ladder, and the flyswatter.
(K)
Toy importers- September 2009

6. Toy importers- September 2009
What obligations?
Producers/Importers shall:
place only safe products on the market
use ‘harmonized’ standards which give presumption of conformity
provide relevant information to enable consumers to assess the risks inherent in a product
adopt measures to enable them to be informed of risks and take appropriate actions
Toy importers- September 2009

7. Toy importers- September 2009
What can, and should, manufacturers, importers and retailers of toys do?
Toy importers- September 2009

8. Toy importers- September 2009
Ensure that documentation (doc., etc) is at hand BEFORE product leaves manufacturer,
Ensure that CE mark is affixed to the product as required,
Know your supplier,
Carry out tests on samples of toys BEFORE finalizing an order,
Ensure product received is that ordered.
Toy importers- September 2009

9. Toy importers- September 2009
Tests
Small cylinder test
Warnings and instructions (EN 71-1 clause 7)
Tension test
Sharp edges
Geometric shape of toy
Toy importers- September 2009

10. What actions have been taken so far?
33 inspections in outlets importing/selling toys
Magnets in toys- Warning
Small parts in toys- Withdrawn
Toy Laser pointers- Withdrawn and recalled
Bathing aids- Withdrawn
Other toys- Withdrawn and/or recalled
Toy importers- September 2009

11. Thank you for your attention
Ing. Michael Cassar
Malta Standards Authority
Market Surveillance Directorate
Tel. No
Fax
Toy importers- September 2009