DTI, DOH Warn Public Against Use Of Hoverboards

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Health (DOH) through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising the public to be extra careful in buying “hoverboards” or “scooter boards” as reports gathered from the United States and Australia showed it is fire hazard and have caused serious injuries to the users.

In light of this report, the DTI and DOH-FDA issued tips that would reduce the risk posed by using hoverboards.

In the joint advisory the DTI regional office released Tuesday in this city, the parents are warned that hoverboards are not classified as toys for 14 years old and below.

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said the joint advisory was signed by Atty. Victorio Mario Dimagiba, DTI undersecretary for consumer protection, and Mari Lourdes Santiago, FDA OIC-director general.

The advisory said ISO 8124 states toys for such age bracket should have a maximum voltage of 24 volts.

However, hoverboards utilize electrical capacity of 36 volts, thus, are not recommended as toys for 14 years old and below.

The advisory also urges distributors to comply with the requirement to label those available for retail in compliance with Republic Act 10620, also known as “Toy and Game Safety Labelling Act of 2013,” including a warning statement “Not intended for children ages 14 and below” displayed on the principal display panel at the size of 100 square centimeters or 15 square inches in English or Filipino, or both.

Consumers, on the other hand, are reminded to check if the batteries are labelled as IEC 62133 or 60335 compliant or whether it bares ISO or IEC logo.

If, in case, consumers have doubts as to the integrity of the batteries or chargers bought, they can go to DTI-recognized laboratories for safety tests.

The requesting party, however, will shoulder the fees for the lab test.

To ensure the compliance to the said advisory, DTI and DOH-FDA shall conduct joint monitoring and enforcement activities on all distributors, traders, importers, and manufacturers, specifically on the labeling requirement.

As for the delineation of roles of each agency, DTI shall conduct the monitoring and enforcement of the compliance for additional warnings or cautionary statements on the principal display panel of the packaging, checking for the integrity of the batteries and chargers, and issuance of list of companies selling the defective products, and leveling of legal actions if needed.

The agency is also to take care of the consumer complaints, and disseminate information thru its website.

DOH and FDA, on the other hand, will monitor and report hoverboard-related injuries or accidents thru DPCB; ensure that this advisory will also be applicable to future registration of toys and comply with ISO 8124:2014; and disseminate information thru their respective websites.

Furthermore, any complaints related to hoverboards will be mediated and/or adjudicated by the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB).

Consumers are again advised to be more vigilant and conscious in buying tots and gadgets to avoid health and safety issues. Furthermore, the public should avoid buying products from non-FDA licensed establishments; read and understand the instruction manuals or labels before using the product; and ensure that the products’ warranty covers safety and replacement of parts when necessary. (PNA) RMA/TPGJR/PR