This high demand and progressive stock reduction as important dates approach Christmas in the fertilized field for proliferation of fake toys on the shelves of some organizations and on the Internet. A situation that can upset more than one person fathersbefore the hardships that most have to go through distinguish these products from the originalsif they don’t see them together or buy them online.
This was warned from the US this Tuesday. Technological Children’s and Leisure Products Institute (Aiju), leading a European project called Counter Risk precisely for the purpose of disseminating the risks posed by these toys and educating the users. nanocourses and from someone mobile application.
It’s an initiative that is more than justified when taken into account, according to recent research conducted by EYPUStoys third category of counterfeit products most of them were seized at European borders, only behind cell phone accessories and packaging. An activity that moves more than one 1.4 billion annually across the continent, according to estimates by the Alicante-based Euro-agency, which represents loss of about 14% of jobs that the industry can produce.
a problem that gets worse with the emergence of electronic trademaking it easier to distribute do you hearsuch that half of the seizures in Europe are related to online shopping.
In this sense, the person in charge of the CounterRisk project in Aiju, M. Cruz Arenas“He underlines that the concept of responsible purchasing becomes valid especially at certain times such as Christmas. During this period, The presence of imitation toys on the market is increasing As the stock of original products is reduced due to high demand”, these dates are in place so that consumers “are more aware of the dangers of fake toys to the health of their children and can detect counterfeit products”.
Why are they bought?
From Aiju they explain that although consumers are sometimes aware that they buy a fake toy because of its lower cost, the most common is the toy. obtained without being known to be fake. The lowest cost and availability of products are the most decisive factors in purchasing this type of product.
Thus, they cite the work “Parents and Fake Online” Developed in the United States and They cannot predict the level of distrust implied by fake toys.Until pictures of real toys are shown comparing with imitation toys. This suggests that consumers are more likely to be deceived than they themselves believe.
Spain leads Europol operation against piracy
The proliferation of counterfeit products has led the toy industry to strengthen cooperation with the security forces to combat them, to the point where Spain, together with Romania, takes the lead of the Europol group specializing in the fight against piracy in the industry, according to the coach. employers’ association AEFJ, Cristina Miró. Thus, the so-called “Operation Ludus” completed its third this year with remarkable results, according to Miró, who emphasized the importance of these efforts to prevent further casualties.
In this regard, they remind of the threat to the safety and health of children from the institute of technology due to the presence of counterfeit products. toxic substances exceeding the limits allowed by safety regulations, poor quality materials electrical hazards or risk of burns.
The problem is that, according to Arenas, in most cases parents don’t have this perception of risk, because of the similarity that copies often show with the original.
In this sense, the technical manager of the project, EncarnaGermanoffers some keys to prevent cheating. So the first thing insecurity when it is observed that a product has much lower price more than any other website or establishment, which is often an indication that it is not genuine.
In addition, the specialist recommends buying only. on “trusted” web pages and avoid the unknown. Advice that goes to the physical world as well. Another tip is labeled, especially if it is not in Spanish as the regulations dictate. This packaging design There may be another clue. Finally, a good option if the manufacturer appearing on the product is unknown. See information available on the internet about the company in question.
From the employers association Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association, significant economic losses What these imitations mean for the industry, as well as reputation cost This is what buyers may have if they buy low-quality products thinking they are genuine, according to their technical director, Cristina Miró, who is particularly concerned about the proliferation of these products over the internet.
Environment
In addition to the risks they pose in terms of health and safety, counterfeit products environmental risks, the same sources emphasize, inter alia, that it is not compatible with the circular economy model towards which the European Union is headed. Counterfeit products are rarely recyclable, non-repairable, and most are made in countries with a high carbon footprint and high environmental impact.
Source: Informacion
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