Khaberni - The Standards and Metrology Institution affirmed its pivotal role in protecting children, through regulating the quality and safety of toys.
The institution stated that it adopts a national system for standards and metrology, in accordance with international best practices, and sets special instructions and specifications that ensure that the toys on the market are safe and comply with the approved technical rules.
Regarding its contribution to protecting children from the dangers of toys, the "Standards and Metrology" indicated that it issued Toy Safety Instructions No. (4) for the year 2010, which defines the basic safety requirements and potential hazards, and requires a clear label that includes warnings, the appropriate age, and details of the entity responsible for marketing the toy.
The institution added that these instructions are applied through visual and laboratory examination of samples from imported consignments, in addition to field surveillance of factories and markets, to ensure that the toys are free of any risks that threaten the health and safety of children.
It mentioned that it delivers awareness messages through social media sites, and the "Khaberni" application, as well as organizing many lectures for various societal groups.
The institution explained that it relies in evaluating the safety of children's toys on Toy Safety Instructions No. (4) for the year 2010, and on the Jordanian Standard Specifications (J.S.S. 71 from 1–13), adopted from the European specifications, covering all aspects from mechanical and physical risks to chemical and electrical risks.
The "Standards and Metrology" pointed out that children's toys undergo, before entering the market, various tests including: physical and mechanical characteristics, flammability, migration of chemical elements, in addition to special tests for chemical toys and finger paint, and electrical tests for toys operated by charging or electricity, confirming that these tests aim to ensure that the toys do not pose any risk to children's health.
About the most significant risks that may arise from toys not conforming to standards, the institution explained that non-compliant toys could cause serious dangers such as: choking due to small parts, injuries or shocks due to sharp edges or projectiles, risks of fractures and cuts from falls in case of using toys like scooters without protective equipment, exposure to chemicals with long-term health effects, in addition to electrical risks from chargers or toys that do not meet the standards.
The "Standards and Metrology" confirmed that its market survey teams conduct periodic tours in all provinces, especially during holiday seasons and high toy demand, where during these tours, the information label is examined, and random samples are collected for laboratory testing.
The institution also clarified that it responds to any complaints from citizens, and follows them up with importers to ensure immediate violation handling.
It emphasized that in case a violation or hazardous materials are proven, the import of the consignment from customs points is prohibited, or the quantities from the local markets are confiscated and destroyed, assuring that these measures are taken immediately and decisively; to ensure that dangerous toys do not reach the hands of children.
