China pledges to make its toys safer

BEIJING, May 26 (UPI) -- China plans to ban the sale of toys and baby carriers that fail to meet its national safety standards, it was reported Saturday.

Beginning in June, all toys and baby carriers made in China must obtain a China Compulsory Certification, reported Xinhua, China's official news agency.

More than 80 percent of the toys made in China already carry the certificate yet safety remains a problem, Xinhua said. China exports 70 percent of the world's toys.

"Some baby carriers have sharp edges that could cut kids and small parts can easily be swallowed by children," said Zhu Guangpei, CAA's deputy director.

This month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled about 200,000 pieces of Chinese-made children's jewelry after high levels of lead were found, and the European Union issued a warning about Chinese-made rattles after a child in Ireland cut his mouth on a sharp edge.

China established its safetey certification program in 2003 as part of its commitment for entry into the World Trade Organization, Xinhua reported.