The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority recently issued a press release in the media urging consumers and/or traders to take the necessary precautions to ensure that toys, electrical and electronic items purchased online do not pose serious risks to users.

The authority feels the need to clarify the aim behind the press release.

EU directives provide that toys need to have a CE mark affixed to them, or on their immediate packaging in case the mark cannot be affixed to the product itself. All products coming into the EU, including Malta, must have this CE marking.

The press release was certainly not aimed at dissuading online purchasing, since the authority is fully aware that such purchases make for healthy competition and one should be free to make their choice as to where they buy products from.

The press release was primarily intended to make consumers aware of the safety risks involved that could harm them and children if unsafe products are purchased. On the other hand, traders, especially first-time importers, might not be aware of safety regulations.

It must be emphasised that the process of buying products online and the procedures to import them have not changed. It is only in respect of products not having a CE marking or those that are reasonably doubtful to be unsafe that a Declaration of Conformity is requested to establish whether these products conform to European safety standards.

For more information, contact the MCCAA.