Pagkumpiska ng “misbranded” na mga laruan

ni Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta - @Magtanong Kay Attorney | March 19, 2022

Dear Chief Acosta,

May reklamo ako sa binili kong laruan para sa aking anak dahil walang maliit na bahagi na ipinakita sa pakete nito. Kinilabutan ako nang muntik nang makain ng aking tatlong-taong gulang na anak ang maliit na bahagi ng laruan. Dahil dito, nais ko lang malaman kung maaari bang bawiin sa merkado o kumpiskahin ang nirereklamo kong laruan?

Flordeliza

Dear Flordeliza,

Para sa inyong kaalaman, mayroong mga labeling requirements ang mga laruang pambata na ipinaiiral sa ating bansa. Ang hindi pagsunod dito ay may kaukulan ding kaparusahan at ito ay ayon sa Sections 4, 8 at 11 ng Republic Act (R. A.) No 10620, o mas kilala bilang “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.” Nakasaad dito na:

“Section 4. Labeling Requirements for Toys and Games. – All toys and games locally or internationally manufactured that are imported, donated, distributed and sold in the Philippines shall comply with the appropriate provisions on safety labeling and manufacturer’s markings found in the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for the safety of toys: Provided, That this shall not apply to toys and games which are not intended for children including, but not limited to, memorabilia or collectibles: xxx”

“Section 8. Treatment on Misbranded or Banned Hazardous Substance. – A balloon, ball, marble, or toy or game which packaging is not in compliance with the requirements of this Act shall be considered as misbranded or banned hazardous substance. It shall be withdrawn from the market at the expense of the manufacturer or importer and shall not be allowed to be distributed, sold or offered for sale in the Philippines unless and until the requirements of this Act are complied without prejudice to any liability and penalty that may be incurred under Section 10 hereof. xxx” (Binigyang-diin)

“Section 11. Disposal of Seized Materials. – Any toys and games found to be in violation of the provisions of this Act shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government and shall be disposed of in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations: Provided, That a sufficient representative sample shall remain in custodia legis until the final resolution of proceedings thereon. Equipment and materials imported in violation of this Act shall be subject to seizure and immediate disposal by the Bureau of Customs. xxx” (Binigyang-diin)

Kung ang packaging ng inirereklamo ninyong laruan ay mapatutunayan na labag sa mga iniatas ng nabanggit na batas, ituturing itong misbranded na dapat i-withdraw mula sa merkado sa gastos ng manufacturer o importer nito. Hindi ito pahihintulutan na ipamahagi o ibenta sa Pilipinas hanggang ang mga inaatas ng nabanggit na batas ay masunod. Dagdag pa rito, ito ay kukumpiskahin ng pamahalaan upang itapon ayon sa naaangkop na pamamaraang tutukuyin ng batas at umiiral na regulasyon.

Sana ay nabigyan namin ng linaw ang inyong katanungan. Ang payong aming ibinigay ay base lamang sa mga impormasyon na inyong inilahad at maaaring magbago kung mababawasan o madaragdagan ang mga detalye ng inyong salaysay.

Maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagtitiwala.