MANILA, Philippines - Consumer groups are calling for the immediate issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for a landmark toy and game safety labeling law enacted in 2013.
In a joint press statement yesterday, the Laban Konsyumer Inc. and the EcoWaste Coalition urged for the need to enforce Republic Act 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013, by promulgating its IRR without further delay.
“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), duly completed the IRR for RA 10620 some time in 2015, which was subsequently submitted to the respective department secretaries for approval. With the yuletide season upon us, we hope that the authorities would fast track its promulgation for the sake of our children’s safety and well-being,” said Victor Dimagiba, Laban Konsyumer president and former trade undersecretary.
The immediate issuance of the IRR is being pushed by the consumer groups on the back of the continued proliferation of misbranded and mislabeled toys in the market, including those that contain undisclosed hazardous chemicals.
“The enforcement of the general and specific labeling requirements for toys and games manufactured, imported, exported, donated, distributed and sold in the country will go a long way in protecting our children against unsafe toys that can harm their minds and bodies,” EcoWaste coordinator Thony Dizon said.
RA 10620 is a consolidation of House Bill 6529 and Senate Bill 3367. It was approved by former President Benigno Aquino III on September 2013.
The law requires the DTI to regularly publish every six months the list of all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers who failed to comply with the requirements of RA 10620.
It also requires the DOH to publish every six months the list of all misbranded or banned hazardous substances the sale, offer for sale and distribution of which shall not be allowed under RA 10620.