According to the news from the WTO Office of Ningbo Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, on August 23, 2011, the "Japan Toy Safety Standard (ST-2002 Tenth Edition)" (ST standard) made new changes to the phthalate content in toy plasticized materials. Revision.

        The new requirements of the ST standard for the limit of phthalates are summarized as follows:

        1. Clarify that plasticized materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) and rubber;

        2. The content of DEHP, DBP or BBP in designated toys (toys listed in Article 78 of the Implementation Regulations of the Food Sanitation Law of Japan) shall not exceed 0.1% of the total amount of plasticized materials;

        3. The content of DINP, DIDP or DNOP in the part of the designated toy that is in direct contact with the baby's mouth should not exceed 0.1% of the total plasticized material;

        4. In the part of the designated toy that is not in direct contact with the baby's mouth, the content of DINP should not exceed 0.1% of the total amount of synthetic resin mainly composed of PVC;

        5. Artificial resin containing PVC cannot be used for pacifiers or teethers;

        6. For non-designated toys for children under 6 years of age, the content of DEHP should not exceed 0.1% of the total amount of synthetic resin made by PVC;

        7. In the part of the toy that is in direct contact with the baby's mouth, the content of DINP should not exceed 0.1% of the total amount of synthetic resin mainly composed of PVC;

        8. The test method for phthalates has also been revised according to the different test methods for PVC-containing and non-PVC-containing materials in the Food Safety Law.

        After August 23, toy companies can apply the new standard if they want to apply for ST certification, but the original standard can still be used for applications before September 5, 2011.

        Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in PVC and rubber products, including children's toys, baby bottles, water cups and other children's products. Recently, the United States, Canada, Japan, India and other countries around the world have taken actions to intensively introduce measures to restrict phthalates in children's products and toys, which virtually added another barrier to the export of toys by Ningbo enterprises.

        As of August this year, a total of 596 batches of toys were exported to Japan at Ningbo Port after inspection, with a total value of 13.604 million US dollars, a decrease of 4.49% and 16.6% respectively from last year. Among them, there were 8,676 plastic toys, valued at 452,600 US dollars. Inspection and quarantine experts remind that Japan has strict quality and safety requirements for various products, especially children’s products. Although the ST standard is a voluntary standard, almost all toys designed for children aged 14 and below on the Japanese market have ST Logo. In order to obtain the qualification to use the ST mark, toy manufacturers need to sign an agreement with the Toy Association to use the ST mark, and the sample can be obtained after the designated testing agency has passed the safety standards and complied with the standard. If relevant toy export companies encounter difficulties and problems when applying for certification, they can seek technical support from the inspection and quarantine agency.