New regulations on toy safety to enter into force starting today

Safety standards and technical regulations for toys established by the Georgian government in January 2020 will enter into force starting today.

Starting July 1 manufacturers will be required to attach safety instructions to toys in Georgian.

The safety instructions include information about the chemical composition and physical characteristics of toys – how sharp the parts are, if the toy has small parts which are dangerous for children under three years of age, and other details.

Importers of second-hand toys are required to maintain a database that will make it possible to identify each second-hand toy imported for sale.

The Market Surveillance Agency will be obliged to inspect toys on the Georgian market and issue recommendations.

The toy market surveillance includes documentary, visual and laboratory testing.

During document inspection, the seller is obliged to present a unique identification number of a toy, manufacturer name, trademark and address.

The special safety requirements for toys are as follows:

• Toy parts must not be of such a size so as to be able to cause asphyxia and make their way into the respiratory tract.
• A toy that is placed or mixed with food must be packed; the packing must be of such a size so as to avoid the risk of swallowing both the food item and the toy.
• Toys under three years of age should be designed and manufactured in such a way so as to be easily cleaned.

If the toy placed on the market does not comply with the requirements of the law, the manufacturer must immediately remove or recall the product.