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29 March 2024

UAE toys to be totally child-safe

All toys imported into the UAE will have to meet Esma’s updated safety requirements. (Shutterstock)

Published
By Wam

Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (Esma) of UAE today announced updated standards for toys which will be submitted to the Federal Cabinet for approval in line with the GCC regulations and requirements.

Esma affirmed that it is implementing an integrated strategy to improve specifications and quality of children products for their safety and support national economy through compliance with UAE, Gulf and international certified safety standards and requirements.

Acting Director of Esma Abdullah Al Maeeni said the new Conformity Assessment Regulation for Children's Toys, endorsed by Esma board, would develop mechanisms to monitor children products in the local market so as to ensure maximum levels of safety and health.

The prime goal, he added, is to make sure that children face no harm and risks when using these products.

All toys sold in the UAE and the Gulf countries need to meet the requirements set by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO). Toys authorised by Esma currently have the G-mark certificate (Gulf Conformity Mark), which testifies compliance with GCC-wide safety and health regulations for toys.

The GCC regulation has been issued to realise the integration among the member countries in all fields and support their unity on the basis of the common market; the move is also aimed at developing the common work method between the council countries.

This regulation lays down the form, the process and the meaning of affixing the marking as well as the declaration of conformity.

He added that Esma is conducting regular meetings with market regulators, suppliers, vendors and manufacturers to enlighten them on the regulations and requirements that toys should meet under the GCC technical safety and health regulations.

He put the value of the UAE toys market at Dh1.8 billion a year with an annual average spending of a child at Dh1,300.