The European Union is backing off on a threat to ban certain toys and products from China over health and safety concerns.
'You cannot give 100 per cent guarantees, but you can make sure the system is fit.'—Meglena Kuneva, EU consumer affairs commissioner
The EU has demanded China raise safety checks on exports after European consumers were hit with a number of recalls of Chinese-made toys this year. But an EU review of Chinese efforts has found that Beijing has shown considerable progress on the issue.
Meglena Kuneva, the EU's consumer affairs commissioner, said she has been working with producers, importers, retailers and governments "to rapidly identify and tackle any new problems as they emerge."
She said new measures to prevent dangerous goods from making their way to shop shelves will be implemented over the coming months, but they will come too late for the Christmas rush this year.
"You cannot give 100 per cent guarantees, but you can make sure the system is fit," Kuneva said.
Safety controls, alert system improved
European Commission officials launched a review of safety controls across the 27-country union in September, and conducted an analysis of Chinese safety standards in the wake of recent recalls.
The review of Chinese controls looked at 268 safety alert notifications and found that China made a "significant effort" to correct or halt exports of unsafe products, adding that Chinese authorities were setting up their own rapid warning and investigation teams.
Kuneva had warned that the EU was prepared to impose a ban on some Chinese goods if no progress was made by this month.
Half of all unsafe imports found in the EU come from China — reflecting the huge volume of imports from China.
China has become a centre for the world's toymaking industry, exporting $7.5-billion US worth of toys last year.
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