Brazilian child product safety enforcement

In anticipation of Children’s Day, Brazilian metrology institutes, including Ipem/SP and Imetro-SC, issued safety warnings to parents. Authorities advised consumers to verify the Inmetro Conformity Assessment Seal on all toys to ensure they have undergone testing for toxicity, flammability, and impact resistance. Officials specifically cautioned against purchasing from informal commerce to avoid products with sharp edges or choking hazards.

Following these warnings, law enforcement and metrology agencies conducted large-scale operations to remove unsafe goods from the market. In São Paulo, the “Brinquedo Seguro” operation, led by the Civil Police (Deic), resulted in the seizure of over 52,500 counterfeit toys in the city center and Canindé. Authorities highlighted specific risks associated with ‘squishies’ and other items lacking Inmetro certification, noting they could contain carcinogenic substances or cause physical injuries such as choking or burns.

In other regions, agencies such as Procon-JP in João Pessoa and Procon Maceió have been inspecting retailers for proper pricing, age labeling, and mandatory safety seals. Procon-JP reported seizing products without price tags and fining establishments for improper credit payment requirements. In Piauí, the “Operação Criança Segura” led by IMEPI resulted in the seizure of over 3,300 irregular items across 120 stores, including toys, bicycles, strollers, and cribs lacking proper certification or Portuguese labeling. To mitigate risks, agencies like Procon-RJ continue to advise parents to check age recommendations and ensure all instructions are provided in Portuguese.