Children's Day is a special occasion dedicated to children-a day filled with joy, laughter, and thoughtful gifts from parents and loved ones. To help make this day truly happy and safe, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, would like to extend its warmest wishes to all children in Taiwan and remind parents that when it comes to toys, safety should always come first. The Commodity Inspection Mark on toys is a clear sign that the product meets national safety standards.

To protect children's health and safety, all toys intended for children under 14 years old are required by law to undergo inspection and must bear the official Commodity Inspection Mark. Both imported and locally-made toys are subject to this requirement before they can be sold on the market. 

The BSMI encourages parents to keep the following safety tips in mind when buying and using toys:

1.Choose toys with the Commodity Inspection Mark. (Refer to the attached diagram. Information on certified toys is available on the BSMI website: https://civil.bsmi.gov.tw/bsmi_pqn/)

2.Check product labels. Ensure that information on age suitability, usage instructions, materials, and safety warnings is clearly marked in Chinese-and take the time to read them carefully.

3.Buy age-appropriate toys. Toys that are not suitable for a child's age may lead to accidental injuries.

4.Check toys thoroughly. Make sure parts are securely attached and that there are no small, loose components that could be swallowed.

5.Check for sharp edges. Broken or poorly made toys may cause cuts or injuries.

6.Watch out for long strings or cords. These may pose a risk of strangulation for young children.

Additionally, the BSMI would like to highlight several recent incidents, both in Taiwan and abroad, related to certain popular toys. Parents are advised to pay special attention to the followings:

1.Slime toys: Some may contain excessive levels of boron, which can cause skin irritation or other health risks. Limit your child's playtime with slime and ensure they wash their hands after use.

2.Expandable toys (water-absorbing toys): These can grow in size after absorbing water and may cause choking if swallowed. They are not suitable for children under three years old.

3.Floating balloons: Always ask the seller about the type of gas used. If the gas is flammable (such as hydrogen) or if the seller cannot confirm the gas type, do not purchase them.

4.Magnetic Buckyballs: These small, strong magnets can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed. Keep them out of reach of young children.

5.Pimple Popping Injection Squishy Toys: If these toys come with a syringe or needle, they do not meet safety standards and should not be purchased for children.

6.Automatic inflatable grenade toys: These toys can produce loud noises and potentially cause hearing damage. Heat and flying fragments from these toys may also harm children's skin or eyes.

7.Plastic toy gravity knives: While they may seem harmless, these toy knives can still cause injury. Teach children to use them responsibly and never point them at others.

To help parents and children better understand toy safety risks, the BSMI has also produced an educational animation video on the dangers of magnetic Buckyballs, available on our website: https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/public/Data/6.mp4. We encourage parents and teachers to watch this video with children to raise awareness.

Let's work together to make this Children's Day happy and safe for every child.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division

Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director

Tel. (O):+886-2343-1763

Email:ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw