Consumer Protection Finds Violations in 870 Toy Stores Out of 960 Inspected in the Last Three Weeks

The National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) in Romania has uncovered significant violations in toy stores across the country. During inspections conducted from May 7 to May 24, 963 toy stores were scrutinized, revealing that 875 of them did not comply with various regulations. This led to fines totaling 4.25 million lei and 419 warnings, according to an official press release.

Discover the recent findings by the National Authority for Consumer Protection in Romania, which uncovered violations in 870 out of 960 toy stores inspected, leading to fines totaling 4.25 million lei.

The inspections covered over 630,000 toys, with more than 550,000 found to have various issues. As a result, 65,000 toys were permanently removed from sale. The most critical violations identified were:

1. Missing Manufacturer and Importer Information: Toys lacked labels with the name, address, and contact details of the manufacturers and/or importers.

2. Missing Batch Identification: Labels did not include unique batch identification numbers.

3. Non-compliant CE Marking: Toys either lacked the CE marking or had incorrect CE markings.

4. Lack of Romanian Language Instructions: Toys did not have identification elements or usage instructions in Romanian, nor did they have the required technical documentation.

5. Damaged Toys or Packaging: Toys and their packaging were found to be damaged.

6. Undisclosed Chemical Composition: Labels did not mention the chemical composition of the toys.

7. Missing Safety Warnings: Toys lacked general age warnings, specific warnings, and usage precaution instructions.

8. Imitation Food Products: Toys imitating food products were being sold.

9. Toxic Substances: Some toys contained unknown or toxic substances, posing safety risks.

10. Prohibited Products: Toys listed in the RAPEX (European Union Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products) were found on sale, despite being banned.

11. Unsafe Components: Toys had features like easily detachable fibers (e.g., hair on dolls), various fillings, or elastic bands with rings, which could endanger users' safety.

12. Promotion Regulation Violations: Promotions lacked end dates or did not state that they were valid while stocks lasted.

13. Missing Price Tags: Toys were sold without displayed prices.

14. Lack of Operating Authorization: Some stores operated without proper authorization.

Online Retailers Also Penalized

The inspectors also targeted 16 online retailers, three of which were fined a total of 11,000 lei for various infractions.

Implications for Consumers and Retailers

The findings highlight the importance of stringent safety and compliance standards in the toy industry. For consumers, these measures ensure the safety and reliability of the products they purchase for their children. For retailers, adherence to these regulations is crucial to avoid hefty fines and maintain consumer trust.

The ANPC's rigorous inspections and the resulting fines underscore the ongoing need for vigilance in the toy industry. Retailers must prioritize compliance with all safety and labeling regulations to ensure the well-being of their young customers and to avoid significant financial penalties.

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Source: Biziday