Commission Decision 2008/329/EC has ceased being valid on 21 April 2009 and its validity has not been renewed. Consequently, the requirements regarding the affixing of warnings on magnetic toys deriving from Government Notice No. 493 (Government Gazette no. 18,261 of 6th June 2008) are no longer applicable.
The affixing of warnings on every magnetic toy is no longer needed since the risks posed by magnetic toys have been addressed by the harmonised standard covering the mechanical and physical properties relating to the safety of toys. This means that manufacturers of magnetic toys need to abide to some specific restrictions, which are detailed in the harmonised standard and which mainly concern the magnetic flux index of magnets and the size of the magnets used in toys, in order to be entitled to affix the CE mark on their magnetic toys.
Magnetic/electrical experimental sets that are not intended for children under 8 years are excluded from the requirements of the harmonised standard, provided that they carry a warning. The exception applies only to the more advanced experimental sets that include building of electrical motors, loudspeakers, doorbells, etc., i.e. products that need both magnetism and electricity for their function. The following is the warning that must be affixed on the packaging and instructions for use of such products:
"WARNING! Not suitable for children under 8 years. This product contains (a) small magnet(s). Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if magnet(s) are swallowed".
When a manufacturer follows the harmonised standard and affixes the CE mark to his magnetic toy, he/she is declaring that the provisions of the harmonised standard have been adhered to and that the magnetic toy is safe. This is the reason why the affixing of warnings on magnetic toys is no longer required.
Feed back to be sent to by 19th of January 2011.
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