EcoWaste Coalition Urges BOC to Block Substandard Squishy Toys

• The EcoWaste Coalition has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to increase surveillance on unauthorized shipments of potentially hazardous "squishy" toys.
• The group aims to prevent products banned in other countries from reaching Filipino children due to risks of choking, chemical exposure, and burns.

Global Regulatory Concerns

• US: The CPSC intercepted 355,683 units across 55 shipments.
• EU: Safety Gate issued five alerts in Lithuania and Spain regarding small parts that detach and pose choking risks.
• UK: Authorities seized over 500,000 units lacking safety documentation, with some testing positive for hazardous chemicals causing respiratory and skin irritation.
• Thailand: The TISI seized nearly 20,000 substandard items made of polyurethane and foam containing toxic phthalates and VOCs.

Identified Hazards

• Choking: Small, easily detachable components.
• Chemical Exposure: Toxic substances and VOCs that cause eye, skin, and lung irritation.
• Burn Hazards: Heated toys—if left in sunlight or near heat sources—can burst, releasing sticky filling that adheres to skin and exacerbates burn injuries.

Recommendations and Actions

• The EcoWaste Coalition warns against products with unknown manufacturers, missing safety labels, strong chemical odors, or oily/sticky textures.
• The group has petitioned the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue public health warnings and enforce local toy safety compliance.