BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) -- China's market regulator has introduced stricter quality and safety requirements for pixel bead products to better protect consumers, particularly children.
Pixel bead art is a form of handicraft using small plastic fuse beads. The hobby involves arranging the beads into patterns and fusing them with heat.
Pixel bead products intended for children under 14 must obtain China Compulsory Certification when required and clearly display applicable age ranges and safety warnings, according to an announcement issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation.
Such products must not be bundled with household electrical appliances as part of package sales or promotional giveaways.
For products intended for children under 14 but not subject to China Compulsory Certification, the beads, pegboards, tweezers and other accessories, as well as any accompanying heating components, must comply with mandatory national standards on toy safety. The voltage of the heating components must not exceed 24 volts.
Products intended for people aged 14 and above must not use household irons designed for ironing fabrics as heating components. Sellers are also prohibited from using images or videos of young children operating the products or otherwise suggesting that they are suitable for children.
Market regulators at all levels will take strict action against business operators that violate the requirements of the announcement and promptly disclose typical cases. ■
