Sahebdin MOSADEQ spokesperson of the Institute for Customers’ Protection (ICP)

What precautions should customers take when buying toys for children?

The first criterion that must be taken into account is the age limit shown on the toys’ packaging. It is important to buy something that will suit the infants both physically and psychologically. However, those featuring on toys coming from Europe particularly are not quite adapted to the Mauritian context. Parents must also be careful about the safety of the toys they buy for their children. Particular attention must, indeed, be given to small parts that can be swallowed by children under the age of five. Parents should also make sure they buy educative toys for their offspring so as to enable them to develop their skills.

All kinds of toys are being sold on the street. Is it safe to buy them?

Most of these toys and other gadgets which are being sold these days have been imported from China and are quite bottom-of-the-range. These items do not systematically respect international security norms and thus represent a potential danger for children. The materials used can sometimes have negative health effects. If buying these products, all small parts should be removed to prevent swallowing. However, not all toys manufactured in Asia are unsafe for early-age infants. Well-known toy companies like Fisher price and others have their products made in these countries under license, thus resulting in good quality toys. The price should not be the sole criterion to be taken into account when buying a gift for a child.

Do customers have any legal recourse if the toys bought have any defect?

The warranty law does not cover toys. There exists nonetheless another regulation, called the Trade Warranty Regulation, which says that goods sold should be of merchantable quality. According to this, traders are legally obliged to replace or to refund the defective toy. The absence of a law makes it difficult for the customers to take legal action. Fortunately, there are traders who comply with the Trade Warranty Regulation. The posters usually displayed on the walls saying: “ Goods once sold cannot be returned” are illegal.