Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10620)
Republic Act No. 10620 is known as the 'Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.'
The law declares that children need special safeguards and care due to their physical and mental immaturity, and the State shall protect children against hazards to their health and safety by requiring special labeling on toys and games.
A hazardous substance is defined as any substance or mixture that is toxic, corrosive, irritant, strongly sensitizing, flammable or combustible, or generates pressure, causing substantial injury or illness from foreseeable ingestion by children.
All toys and games, whether locally manufactured or imported, must comply with safety labeling and manufacturer's markings outlined in the Philippine National Standards for toy safety.
Yes. The labeling requirements do not apply to toys and games not intended for children, such as memorabilia or collectibles.
Cautionary statements must be fully displayed on the principal display panel of the product's package and on any accompanying descriptive material in English, Filipino, or both, in a conspicuous and legible manner.
It will be considered misbranded or a banned hazardous substance, leading to withdrawal from the market at the manufacturer's or importer's expense, and cannot be sold until compliance is met, with penalties possible.
Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and importers must report to the Department of Health any incidents involving children choking on marbles, small balls, latex balloons, or small parts resulting in death, serious injury, or medical treatment.
Violators face fines between Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) and Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000), or imprisonment from three (3) months up to two (2) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The penalty shall be imposed upon the guilty officer or officers of the corporation, firm, partnership, or association responsible for the violation.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.
Manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and importers are given one (1) year from the effectivity of the law to comply with its requirements.
They are forfeited in favor of the government and disposed of according to relevant laws and regulations, with representative samples retained for evidence until final resolution.
The DTI must publish a list of non-compliant manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, while the DOH must publish a list of misbranded or banned hazardous substances not allowed for sale or distribution.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.