As the much-anticipated “Día de las niñas y los niños” (Children's Day) approaches, families across Mexico are preparing to celebrate with gifts and festivities. In light of this, the Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco), Mexico's consumer protection agency, is issuing crucial recommendations to ensure that the toys purchased are safe and comply with all relevant regulations. Profeco is focusing on the importance of informed purchasing decisions, highlighting the responsibilities of toy manufacturers and retailers in providing accurate and comprehensive product information.
Ensuring Toy Safety: Profeco's Key Recommendations
Profeco is emphasizing that providers who manufacture and commercialize toys are currently obligated to comply with a series of standards to safeguard the well-being of children. These standards are meticulously outlined in the Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor (LFPC), which incorporates Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) specifically designed for toys. According to Jordan Saucedo (2025), writing for Grupo Milenio, these regulations are in place to protect consumers and ensure product safety.
Key Aspects to Consider When Buying Toys
Profeco is drawing attention to several critical aspects that consumers should carefully examine before purchasing toys. These checks are designed to empower consumers to make informed choices and avoid potential hazards. These guidelines are being actively promoted to parents and caregivers to enhance safety during this celebratory period.
- Veraz Information: Toys must be accompanied by accurate information that does not mislead or create confusion.
- Product Identification: Packaging should prominently display the name of the product and the manufacturer's details.
- Battery Requirements: If the toy requires batteries, the packaging must clearly state the type and quantity needed.
- Assembly and Age Recommendations: Clear instructions on whether adult assembly is required, along with age recommendations and safety precautions, must be provided.
- Country of Origin: The country of origin and, if applicable, the importer's details should be clearly indicated.
- Language Accessibility: All labels and instructions must be available in Spanish, although additional languages are permitted.
The Importance of Detailed Information
«The lack of information can generate some risk for the children. For that reason, it is important to know until the minimum detail that the packages must have», Profeco is stating. This underscores the critical role of detailed product information in ensuring child safety. Profeco is actively encouraging consumers to scrutinize packaging for all essential details to mitigate potential risks.
Verifying Compliance and Making Informed Purchases
When purchasing toys, Profeco is advising consumers to verify that the packaging displays the NOM seal, indicating compliance with Mexican standards. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the packaging provides information on the recommended age for use, materials used in the toy's construction, instructions for use, and warranty details in Spanish. These steps are crucial for making well-informed purchasing decisions.
Additional Safety Tips from Profeco
Beyond checking the packaging, Profeco is recommending buying toys from reputable establishments. This allows consumers to return the product if any issues arise. It is also essential to obtain a purchase receipt and ensure that the warranty is properly sealed. These measures provide added protection and recourse in case of defects or other problems.
Profeco's Ongoing Commitment to Consumer Safety
Profeco is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and safety of consumers, particularly children. By actively disseminating information and recommendations, Profeco is empowering families to make informed decisions and ensure that the toys they purchase are safe and appropriate for their children. This proactive approach underscores Profeco's commitment to consumer protection.
“En el marco del mes dedicado a las niñas y los niños, la Profeco comparte los aspectos que deben cumplir los proveedores que fabrican y comercializan juguetes para garantizar la seguridad de quienes adquieren estos productos.” - Profeco, Boletín de Prensa, April 26, 2025.
In summary, as families are actively preparing for Children's Day, Profeco is urging consumers to exercise caution and diligence when purchasing toys. By following the agency's recommendations, parents and caregivers can ensure that the celebrations are filled with joy and free from preventable hazards. The agency's ongoing efforts are contributing to a safer and more informed marketplace for toys in Mexico.
