In the eyes of a child, any object can become a toy. But not all objects are suitable for play; some can even be dangerous. This is not to say that there are objects or materials that cannot be recognized as play materials. Children should have creative alternatives that allow them to develop their creativity at all times.
What is important, however, is to know the regulations that make all users equal in the face of the possible risks that may derive from the misuse of a toy or any of its components.
Today we are going to talk about this regulation and make it clear what is a toy and what is not.
A toy is any product designed to be used for play purposes by children under fourteen years of age. There are products that are not recognized by law as toys but are made available to children for play purposes, some examples are:
- Articles created for non-playful purposes but used as such. This could include decorative dolls or, for example, sports equipment.
- Electrical or electronic items powered by a current greater than 24 volts. One of the most interesting market niches at present. This includes consoles and computers. Products that follow a rigorous procedure in the case of exporting them out of the country, for example to Morocco. Take a look at the existing regulations regarding their export to morocco.
- Articles designed for leisure and play for people over 14 years old. Who said that an adult could not play with toys? This includes puzzles of a certain complexity, compressed air guns, dart games with metal tips, etc. These objects without being expressly toys can awaken the interest of minors.
- Invented or self-made toys. They are not really toys if we look at the regulations but they serve as such. Here would be dollhouses improvised with boxes, walkie-talkies with yogurt containers and a lot more that we have all made at some time.
Now we will talk about those that are not toys according to the regulations:
- Decorative objects for parties or celebrations.
- Collection products.
- Sports equipment, in particular roller skates, inline skates or skateboards for people with a body mass of more than 20 kg.
- Bicycles with a saddle greater than 435 mm.
- Scooters and other means intended to circulate on public roads.
- Electric vehicles intended to circulate on public roads.
- Aquatic equipment intended for deep water immersion or accessories to teach children to swim, such as floats of any kind.
- Puzzles of more than 500 pieces.
- Weapons and specifically air pistols. The exception here would be water pistols or water guns.
- Fireworks.
- Educational products such as electric ovens, irons or others that use more than 24 volts.
- Products for educational purposes, such as scientific or similar equipment, and whose use must be under adult supervision.
- Electrical equipment not specifically intended for use by children.
- Pacifiers for babies.
- Lamps designed specifically for children.
- Electrical transformers for children.
- Any fashion accessory that is not specifically designed as a toy for children.
Within this list there are endless options that increase every day. The truth is that the regulations governing toys are finding it increasingly difficult to determine what can and cannot be considered a toy.
There are even toys that, even though they are considered as such, are not regulated according to current regulations. For example, steam train engines, slingshots, slingshots...etc.
