Nearly 20% of back-to-school supplies fail inspection in Taipei

With the back-to-school season in full swing, Taipei's Department of Commerce is urging consumers to pay close attention to product labels. A recent inspection of school supplies, including pencils, highlighters, book covers, scissors, tape, and backpacks, revealed that nearly one-fifth failed to meet labeling standards.

Out of 209 items examined, 41 were found to be non-compliant, resulting in an 19.62% non-compliance rate. The department has required businesses selling these items to make corrections within a specified timeframe. Violations varied depending on the product type. For general stationery like pencils and highlighters, common issues included missing manufacturer or distributor names, addresses, and product origin. For more specialized items such as scissors and tape, the lack of "precautions or emergency handling methods" was a frequent violation. Backpacks and similar bag-type items often failed to meet the comprehensive labeling requirements mandated by the "Commodity Labeling Act."

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Remember to check if the product label is complete and clear, and follow the three steps of 'look at the Chinese, check the content, and confirm before buying' to ensure you can buy with peace of mind.

The Department of Commerce emphasizes a three-step approach for consumers to ensure safe purchases. First, they should select products with clear and legible Chinese labels. Second, consumers must verify that the product includes all necessary information, such as the product name, origin, and, for chemical or adhesive items, an expiration date. For items with potential hazards or specific uses, details on main components, usage instructions, precautions, and warning labels are crucial. For domestically manufactured goods, the name, address, and contact number of the manufacturer, commissioner, or packager must be present. Imported goods require the name, address, and contact number of the importer or packager, along with the foreign manufacturer's name.

Finally, after confirming the label's completeness and clarity, consumers can proceed with their purchase. The department also encourages the public to refuse products with unclear origins or ambiguous labeling to protect their consumer rights. By choosing correctly labeled items, students can begin their academic year with peace of mind and a focus on learning.

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Step one: Choose products with Chinese labels that are clear. Step two: Confirm the product has the required labeling items. Step three: You can then confidently purchase the product.