Toy importers cannot shirk their responsibilities
-
Aug 21, 2010 - ST Forum
Toy importers cannot shirk their responsibilities
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