Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2007-0032)
The main purpose is to establish regulations on issuing a License to Operate (LTO) to companies that manufacture, import, or distribute toys in the Philippines to ensure the safety of Filipino children by enforcing compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Safety of Toys.
The regulations apply to all local manufacturers, importers, and distributors of toys sold or given free of charge in the Philippines.
A toy is defined as an object or a number of objects clearly intended as playthings for children below eighteen (18) years old.
Grounds include material misrepresentation or concealment of significant information, submission of falsified documents, manufacturing or distributing toys without registration, non-compliance with health and safety standards, and refusal to allow inspections, among others.
Labels must include the registered trade or brand name, registered trademark, model or reference, registered business name and address of manufacturer or distributor, place and date of manufacture, LTO number, warnings or precautionary indications, instructions for use, and specified age requirements. If in a foreign language, it must be translated into Filipino or English.
Violators may face a fine of not less than PhP1,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than five years, or both, along with other penalties under Republic Act 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines).
Importers must secure a Conformity Assessment from the BHDT ensuring the toys comply with the health and safety standards before Clearance for Customs Release is issued.
The BHDT technical staff, with proper Bureau Order, are authorized to enter premises, examine relevant documents, and conduct sampling of toys for inspection and monitoring purposes.
Yes, products such as sports equipment, aquatic equipment for deep water, air guns and pistols, fireworks, electric ovens/irons over 24V, dart sets with metallic points, products with heating elements used under adult supervision in teaching contexts, and bicycles for sport or public travel are exempted from this regulation but must comply with other appropriate government requirements.