The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam issued Circular Number 09/2019/TT-BKHCN on enforcement technical regulations QCVN 3:2019/BKHCN “On safety of toys”. The new technical regulations replace QCVN 3:2009/BKHCN and specify quality and safety requirements for children's toys as well as corresponding test methods. It is applicable to both domestic and imported products.

Though, this Circular became effective on December 31, 2019 manufacturers of toys can follow the requirements of the QCVN 3:2009/BKHCN national technical regulation until December 31, 2020. Toys that will be put on the market until this date are allowed to be sold until December 31, 2021.

Thus, imported and domestic toys must meet requirements of the QCVN 3:2019/BKHCN technical regulations only from January 1st, 2021.

However, the Ministry recommends manufacturers start following the QCVN 3:2009/BKHCN requirements within the toy production process today.

The main thing that was added to the new Technical regulation is provision about Phthalates in toys.

Thus, the concentration of diatalphate (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) in toys should not exceed 0.1%.

The concentration of  phthalate diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) or di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) in toys that can be placed in the mouth should not exceed 0.1%.

Versions of the applicable standards were also updated:

• Requirements for mechanical safety should be checked according to the TCVN 6238-1: 2017 (ISO 8124-1: 2014)  
• Flammability according to the TCVN 6238-2: 2017 (ISO 8124-2: 2014)  
• Migration of certain elements according to the TCVN 6238-3: 2011 (ISO 8124-3: 2010)

We would also like to pay your attention to that fact that according to the new technical regulations labels should comply with Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP.

So be ready to the new standard and please keep in mind that both imported and domestic toys made in compliance with the QCVN 3:2009/BKHCN cannot be sold in the market of Vietnam starting from January 1st, 2022.

The information has been prepared by the GMA Consult Group team. GMA Consult Group provides a full cycle of international type approval and global market access services for IT, Telecom and industrial electrical products in all countries throughout the world. With proven expertise in worldwide regulations, compliance, certification, and conformity assessment, GMA Consult Group can help your company speed up the access to any market with almost zero efforts from your side. Need your own guide to the world of certification and approvals? Don't hesitate to contact us via info@gma.trade.

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