IN WEDNESDAY'S report ('Toxic toys set off recalls and checks'),
a toy importer which brought in some of the toys which tests by the
Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) found to be toxic, was
quoted to have said: 'It's not within our jurisdiction. I don't
agree (with Case that) it's our responsibility. We are not a
manufacturer; we are just an importer.'
We are shocked by the callous attitude. Importers cannot shirk
their responsibilities to ensure that safe toys are imported.
Even in the current absence of regulatory requirements on toy
safety, all parties, including retailers, importers, distributors
and manufacturers, have the moral duty to consumers to ensure that
safe toys are put on the shelves. When toys are found to be unsafe,
retailers must take them off the shelves as some responsible
retailers have done in this instance.
Case has been pushing the authorities to put in place more
regulations for product safety, particularly children's toys.
We understand that the authorities are already reviewing the
legislation to give consumers better protection with regard to
product safety. This couldn't be more timely.
Yeo Guat Kwang
President
Consumers Association of Singapore
<!-- story content : end -->