EU raises concerns over safety of Chinese toy imports

China needs to improve the safety of toys and other products it exports to the EU, the bloc said today, adding that it would seek an agreement on higher standards.

“Too many Chinese products imported into the EU, in particular toys, have proven to be defective,” said EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said.

He said he will raise the issue with Chinese authorities in Beijing next week and hoped to sign a “memorandum of understanding” with them on improved product safety.

At a news conference, Kyprianou said Chinese goods accounted for almost half the 700 cases reported to the EU last year of consumer goods presenting a health and safety risk. Toys and electrical appliances were the products most affected, he said.

Kyprianou is scheduled to discuss the issue with Chinese officials after attending an international bird flu conference on Wednesday in Beijing.

China accounted for more than 80 per cent of all the toys imported into the EU, he said.