Look for the Mark Before Buying Electrical Appliances or Toys: The Commodity Inspection Mark Is the First Line of Consumer Safety

Purchasing electrical appliances, toys, rechargeable products, and household goods is now highly convenient. A wide variety of products can be found quickly through physical retailers, e-commerce platforms, social-media group-buying arrangements, and cross-border online shopping. However, a low price, attractive appearance, or novel function does not necessarily mean that a product complies with safety requirements.

Xiao An Xin of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, reminds consumers to check whether the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed when purchasing electrical appliances or toys. These seemingly inconspicuous marks are an important basis for consumers to determine whether products have undergone the required inspection procedures and serve as the first safety checkpoint when purchasing commodities subject to mandatory inspection.

What Is the Commodity Inspection Mark?

The Commodity Inspection Mark or Product Safety Mark is an identification method established by BSMI for designated commodities subject to mandatory inspection. Products falling within the scope of mandatory inspection, whether manufactured domestically or imported from abroad, must complete the required inspection procedures and comply with the applicable requirements before they may be sold on the market.

Common products for which consumers should look for the Commodity Inspection Mark include household appliances, extension cords, chargers, power banks, electric fans, hair dryers, electric kettles, lighting products, children's toys, and other commodities designated by BSMI as subject to mandatory inspection.

What Risks May Be Associated with Products without the Mark?

If a product falls within the scope of mandatory inspection but does not correctly display the Commodity Inspection Mark, it may not have completed the necessary inspection procedures, or its labeling information may be incomplete. Such products may involve greater uncertainty regarding safety, quality consistency, Chinese-language labeling, operating instructions, or their source of importation.

Electrical appliances, rechargeable products, and products for children require particular attention. Without proper inspection or clear labeling, they may present increased risks of overheating, short circuits, electric shock, fire, detached components, noncompliant materials, or improper use. Consumers should not overlook basic product safety checks merely because a product is inexpensive or has favorable online reviews.

Pay Particular Attention When Purchasing Electrical Appliances and Toys

Electrical appliances and toys are among the product categories for which consumers most commonly overlook inspection marks. Electrical products involve electrical safety, insulation, heat resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, and component quality. Toys may involve small parts, sharp edges, material safety, warning labels, and applicable age ranges.

When purchasing these products, consumers should therefore check not only their appearance, functions, and price but also whether the product itself, packaging, label, or instructions clearly display the Commodity Inspection Mark, Chinese-language labeling, company information, and precautions for use.

Verify the Mark and Product Source When Shopping Online

Online shopping, live-stream sales, social-media group-buying arrangements, and cross-border platforms offer a wide selection of products, but products from unknown sources, with incomplete labeling, or without the required inspections may also occur more frequently. Before placing an order, consumers should check whether the product page discloses the Commodity Inspection Mark, model number, company name, importer information, and Chinese-language labeling.

If a product page emphasizes only a low price, limited-time offer, or product functions without clearly displaying commodity inspection information, consumers are advised to exercise caution to avoid discovering only after purchase that the product source or safety cannot be verified.

Recommendations for Safe Purchasing

Action Technology recommends that consumers check the following points when purchasing electrical appliances, toys, rechargeable products, and other commodities subject to mandatory inspection:

• Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark: Before purchasing, check whether the Commodity Inspection Mark or Product Safety Mark is displayed on the product itself, packaging, or label.
• Confirm Chinese-Language Labeling: Check whether the product provides a Chinese-language product name, model number, specifications, manufacturer or importer information, and precautions for use.
• Avoid Products from Unknown Sources: Exercise caution with products that have unusually low prices, no brand, no company information, or no inspection mark.
• Review Product-Page Information before Purchasing Online: When purchasing through an e-commerce platform or social-media channel, confirm whether the product page discloses the inspection mark, certificate information, or a lawful source.
• Use Products Correctly in Accordance with the Instructions: Electrical appliances, toys, and rechargeable products should be operated according to their instructions to avoid overloading, prolonged use without supervision, or misuse by children.
• Stop Use Immediately If an Abnormality Occurs: If a product exhibits unusual odors, overheating, smoke, abnormal noise, enclosure deformation, or loose components, stop using it immediately and contact the business for assistance.

Product Safety Begins before Purchase

Product safety is not solely the responsibility of manufacturers and inspection bodies. Consumers can also reduce risks by conducting simple checks before purchasing. In particular, consumers should develop the habit of looking at the mark before the price when purchasing common household electrical products, rechargeable products, and children's toys.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to monitor product safety information published by BSMI and Xiao An Xin, helping consumers and businesses understand key matters relating to product safety, inspection marks, BSMI certification, electrical safety, and pre-market testing to jointly improve product safety in use.

Sources: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs – Xiao An Xin｜Understand the Inspection Mark for Worry-Free Product Safety
Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs｜Understanding the Product Safety Mark