Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:55PM by PIB Delhi

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched a revolutionary step towards digital empowerment by introducing Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation using Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT) through the UMANG Mobile App. This contactless and secure service marks a major leap in providing hassle-free and fully digital experiences to crores of EPFO members.

Simplifying the UAN Process for Employees

Until now, UANs were largely generated by employers using employee data submitted to EPFO. While Aadhaar details were validated, inaccuracies in fields such as father’s name, mobile number, or date of birth were common. These errors often required corrections during claim processing or while accessing other EPFO services. In many cases, the UAN was not even communicated to the employee, and mobile numbers were missing or incorrect, making direct communication difficult. Furthermore, UAN activation through Aadhaar OTP validation on EPFO Member portal was a separate process to be completed by the member causing confusion.

In the financial year 2024-25 alone, out of 1.26 crore UANs allotted, only 44.68 lakh (35.30%) were activated by members. Several reminders were given to employers to get employees to activate their UAN using Aadhaar OTP so that in future any benefit under the Employment Linked Scheme could be potentially provided using DBT.

New Aadhaar FAT-Based Process: Direct and Secure

To address these persistent challenges, EPFO has now enabled direct UAN generation and activation using Face Authentication via the UMANG App. This service can be used by both employees and employers and offers several key benefits:

• 100% validation of Aadhaar and user using Face Authentication.
• All data of user is pre-populated directly from Aadhaar database.
• Mobile number of user is matched with mobile registered with Aadhaar.
• UAN activation on EPFO portal simultaneously completed during generation process.
• UAN generation directly done by Employee himself/herself and e-UAN card PDF can be downloaded by Employee removing any dependency with Employer.
• At the time of employment, Employee can hand copy of e-UAN card PDF and UAN to Employer for onboarding with EPFO.
• Access to EPFO services such as passbook viewing, KYC updates, claim submission, and more are immediately unlocked.

The process steps are as follows:

• Download Umang App from Playstore and install.
• Download AadhaarFaceRD App from Playstore and install.
• Open UMANG App and go to “UAN Allotment and Activation” under UAN services Through Face Auth.
• Enter Aadhaar Number and Mobile linked with Aadhaar (this will be matched with Mobile registered with Aadhaar for sending OTP).
• Tick on Checkbox for consent.
• Validate OTP received.
• Camera will be enabled to capture live photo image – Once the color outline of image turns green from red means that image capture is successful (This is similar to how anyone uses Digiyatra app)
• After matching with image in Aadhaar database, UAN will be generated and sent by SMS to mobile.
• After generating UAN, the Employee can download the UAN card from the UMANG App or Member Portal (UAN is auto-activated in the Member Portal)

UAN Activation for Existing Members

Members who already have a UAN but have not yet activated, can now easily activate their UAN through the UMANG App.

Enhanced Security Through Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication using Face Authentication provides a higher level of security compared to traditional methods such as demographic or OTP-based authentication. It ensures accurate and tamper-proof identity verification at the very entry point into the EPFO system.

This secure verification will also pave the way for a wide range of self-service options for members, eliminating the need for employer or Regional Office intervention in many future services.

Employers encouraged to use UAN generation through FAT mode for higher efficiency and lower errors

Accordingly, employers are advised to adopt and promote this method immediately and assist first-time employees in generating their UANs using face authentication. This will ensure timely and authenticated registration into the EPFO system.

Collaboration with My Bharat

EPFO will also promoting digital life certificate through Jeevan Pramaan using the Face Authentication Technology by collaborating with volunteers from MY Bharat to provide services to pensioners at their doorstep shortly.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2120326) Visitor Counter : 166

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, announced today (April 9) the relevant per annum interest rate for the first interest payment of Silver Bond Series due 2027 (Issue Number: 03GB2710R) (the Bonds) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

According to the Issue Circular dated September 30, 2024, for the Bonds, the first interest payment of the Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 23, 2025, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on April 9, 2025, as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate. 

On April 9, 2025, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:

Floating Rate: +1.63 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +4.00 per cent

Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the first interest payment is determined and announced as 4.00 per cent per annum.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following are the speaking notes of the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on labour, manpower development and retirement protection policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 9):

Chairman and Honourable Members,

     Recurrent government spending on labour and manpower development in 2025-26 is estimated to be $3,480 million, representing an increase of about $350 million (11.1 per cent) over the revised estimate of $3,140 million last year. It accounts for 0.6 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure. I will highlight the key areas of work in respect of the relevant areas in the coming year.

Abolishing the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement

     The abolition of the MPF offsetting arrangement will take effect on May 1 this year, alongside the launch of a 25-year subsidy scheme on the same date. I would like to remind employers again that the abolition has no retrospective effect, and the pre-transition portion of severance payment (SP) and long service payment for existing employees can still be offset after May 1. Dismissing employees before the abolition takes effect will not save money. 

Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS)

     The Labour Department (LD) has implemented the ESLS since September 4, 2023, to suspend the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation under the previous Supplementary Labour Scheme for two years. As at March this year, the ESLS received over 12 000 applications for importing about 107 000 workers. During the period, over 7 800 applications involving around 54 000 imported workers were approved. The LD is reviewing the ESLS, including its coverage, operation and implementation arrangements; measures to promote and ensure employment priority for local workers; measures to protect the rights and benefits of imported workers; as well as other requirements and matters relating to the ESLS. The Government will take full account of the views of stakeholders, including employer associations and labour organisations, in mapping out the way forward. 

Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW)

     The SMW rate will be raised from the prevailing level of $40 per hour to $42.1 on May 1, providing further protection to low-income employees. Moreover, the Government is firming up a new annual review mechanism for future SMW rates. The first rate derived under the new mechanism is expected to take effect on May 1 next year.

Amending the Trade Unions Ordinance (TUO)

     The Government also proposes to amend the TUO to better safeguard national security and strengthen the regulatory regime for trade unions. The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) and the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Manpower supported the amendment proposals. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.

Relaxing the “continuous contract” requirement under the Employment Ordinance (EO)

     Based on the consensus reached by the LAB, the Government is amending the EO to relax the working hours threshold of the “continuous contract” requirement, enabling more employees to enjoy fuller protection. The Government will introduce the Bill into the LegCo this month.

Increasing the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund (PWIF)

     The Government on March 21 this year increased the ceiling of ex gratia payment on SP under the PWIF from $100,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement to $200,000 plus 50 per cent of any excess entitlement, further strengthening the protection for the rights of employees affected by business closures. 

Strengthening youth employment services

     The LD in January this year enhanced the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme to relax the eligibility requirements to include young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications, and increase the limit of allowance granted to enterprises to $12,000 per young person per month. The LD also raised the upper age limit for participants of the Youth Employment and Training Programme to 29 and introduced workplace attachment opportunities in the GBA to enhance young people’s employability.

Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme

     The LD on July 15 last year launched the three-year Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme. The response is very favourable. As at March this year, the Scheme recorded over 38 000 participants and more than 16 000 placements, mobilising more older and middle-aged persons to join the employment market.

Enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH)

     The LD is highly concerned about the levels of OSH risks across different industries, as well as the changes in these risks, with a particular focus on the construction industry. On top of routine OSH inspections, the LD conducts special enforcement operations, safety audit inspections and in-depth inspections targeting high-risk processes and construction sites with poor safety performance. In addition, the LD has stepped up district patrols targeting minor repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works to curb unsafe work activities.

     The LD will also enhance the application of technology by introducing small unmanned aircraft in the second half of this year to assist with inspections, evidence collection, law enforcement operations, etc.

     Last year, the LD brought the remaining four elements of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation into operation and revised the Code of Practice on Safety Management to strengthen the safety management system. The LD also revised the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety and the Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces to further strengthen bamboo scaffolding safety and enhance OSH in confined space works. Following the revision of the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Trapping Hazard of Tail Lifts in March this year, the LD will revise the Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes and the Guidance Notes on Safe Use of Power-operated Elevating Work Platforms in 2025-26 to enhance the safety requirements for operating the relevant machinery.

Talent attraction 

     To address the labour shortage across industries, the Government, on top of the ongoing promotion of local training, has also implemented various well-received talent attraction measures, including the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) since the end of 2022.

     As at end-March this year, over 460 000 applications were received under various talent admission schemes, of which over 300 000 were approved. During the same period, a total of about 203 000 talents arrived in Hong Kong. Some of them brought along families to settle in Hong Kong, and about 189 000 spouses of the approved applicants and their children under the age of 18 arrived in Hong Kong. These incoming talents and their families bring about a positive impact on Hong Kong’s labour force and add new impetus to the local economy. The first batch of visas under the TTPS have started to expire from end-December last year, with nearly 10 000 TTPS visas estimated to expire by the middle of the year. As only a small number of applications have been processed at present, we will analyse in detail the relevant statistics when a certain number of applications for extension of stay have been accumulated and release them at an opportune time.

     The Government is reforming various aspects of the talent admission regime to continue to strive to trawl for and retain talents. We have also initiated the arrangements under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for proactively inviting top-notch and leading talents to come to Hong Kong for development, which have been endorsed by the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Under the new mechanism, we will, having regard to various development needs of our country and Hong Kong, proactively persuade the target top-notch talents to settle in Hong Kong, promoting Hong Kong as the focal point of international high-calibre talents. The Government will provide throughout the process various personalised facilitations to the invitees. It is well appreciated that these top-notch talents are highly sought after worldwide. To avoid affecting the lobbying, we will not disclose the specific operational details about the invitation mechanism.

     In addition, to address the acute manpower shortage in the local skilled trades, we will enhance the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals to allow young and experienced non-degree talents with relevant professional and technical qualifications to come to Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. Meanwhile, the 2023 Policy Address announced the launch of the two-year pilot Vocational Professional Admission Scheme (VPAS). The number of eligible programmes in the 2025/26 admission cohort will be increased to 34. While applications will be only open next year upon the graduation of the first batch of eligible non-local students, we have noticed that since the announcement of VPAS, many non-local students have been attracted to enrol in the eligible programmes that had difficulties enrolling local students in the past. The Vocational Training Council will enhance its promotional efforts and support non-local graduates in applying under the scheme for staying in Hong Kong for one year to seek jobs relevant to their disciplines.

     Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) provides comprehensive one-stop support to incoming talents. It organises online and offline workshops (including Cantonese learning courses), seminars and job fairs centred on living, employment and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, as well as social inclusion activities (including the Talent+ Volunteer Programme), to help incoming talents settle in Hong Kong, and promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the world and recruit talents. HKTE organised the inaugural Global Talent Summit．Hong Kong (GTS) in May 2024 and will organise the second GTS early next year to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international hub for high-calibre talents.

Reform of the Employees Retraining Board

     The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) is taking forward its reform and has since early this year implemented short-term measures to enhance its services, including lifting the restriction on educational attainment of trainees. In the medium to long term, the ERB will rename the organisation, enhance training and employment support services, strengthen research capabilities, and formulate a pertinent training framework. The ERB will submit an implementation plan to the Government by the end of this year. The Government will continue to work with the ERB to implement the reform, with a view to enhancing local manpower training, upskilling and re-skilling.

     To encourage more young people to participate in the Apprenticeship Scheme and join the relevant trades, each registered apprentice, for a period of three years starting from 2024-25, is provided with an additional training allowance of $1,000 per month, and graduated apprentices will be subsidised to undertake upskilling courses of relevant trades. Meanwhile, the VTC receives subvention to organise short in-service training courses with a view to meeting the market demand. 

Manpower projection

     The LWB released the report on the 2023 Manpower Projection in 2024, projecting that Hong Kong will face an overall manpower shortage of 180 000 by 2028, with over one-third being skilled technical workers. We would commence a mid-term update of the 2023 Manpower Projection in late 2025, with the findings expected to be available in 2026.

     Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions. 

Source: Government of India

Evidence-Based Rural Development Gets a Push with Rollout of First-Ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Baseline Report for FY 2022-23

PAI 2022–23: Out of 2.16 Lakh Validated Panchayats,

35.8% Gram Panchayats Recognized as Performers; 61.2% Identified as Aspirants; Gujarat and Telangana Lead as Front Runners

Posted On: 09 APR 2025 1:43PM by PIB Delhi

In a major stride towards localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering grassroots governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) — a transformative tool to measure the progress of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India. The PAI captures Panchayats’ performance across nine themes of Localized SDGs (LSDGs) ie. Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods in Panchayat, Healthy Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, Clean and Green Panchayat, Panchayat with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure, Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat, Panchayat with Good Governance and Women-Friendly Panchayat. These themes align global goals with rural realities, helping local governments tailor their strategies for holistic development.

State-wise, Gujarat led the pack with 346 Gram Panchayat as Front Runners, followed by Telangana with 270 Front Runners. States with a high number of Performers include Gujarat (13781), Maharashtra (12,242), Telangana (10099) along with Madhya Pradesh (7,912), and Uttar Pradesh (6593) while Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh have a significant share of Aspirant Gram Panchayats, highlighting areas needing focused development efforts. The 2022-23 PAI data reveals that out of 2,55,699 Gram Panchayats, 2,16,285 submitted validated data. While 699 (0.3%) Panchayats emerged as Front Runners, 77,298 (35.8%) were Performers, 1,32,392 (61.2%) were Aspirants while 5,896(2.7%) Gram Panchayats were at the Beginner Level. None of the Gram Panchayat is qualified as an Achiever. As of now, no inter-state comparison has been done.

About Panchayat Advancement Index

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a composite Index & has been compiled based on 435 unique local Indicators (331 mandatory & 104 optional) consisting of 566 unique data points across 9 themes of LSDGs (Localization of Sustainable Development Goals) aligned with National Indicator Framework (NIF) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) , the PAI reflects India’s commitment to achieving the SDG 2030 Agenda through participatory, bottom-up development. Based on the PAI scores & thematic Scores achieved by different Gram Panchayats, these GPs are grouped into one of the categories of performance – Achiever: (90+), Front Runner: (75 to below 90); Performer: (60 to below 75); Aspirant: (40 to below 60) and Beginners (below 40).

PAI aims to assess and measure the progress made by grassroots-level institutions in achieving localized SDGs, thereby contributing to the attainment of SDG 2030. The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) is a multi-domain and multi-sectoral index that is intended to be used to assess the overall holistic development, performance & progress of Panchayats. The index takes into account various socio-economic indicators and parameters to gauge the well-being and development status of the local communities within the jurisdiction of a Panchayat. One of the purposes of the PAI is to identify the development gaps of the Panchayats through the scores achieved across various LSDG themes and enable the Panchayat for evidence-based planning at grassroots level. The outcomes of the PAI, over time, will reflect incremental progress based on the scores achieved by Panchayats, highlighting their advancement toward realizing the LSDGs. The first ever baseline Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) FY 22-23, will play a vital role in setting local targets, identifying actionable points, and facilitating the preparation of evidence-based Panchayat Development Plans aimed at achieving the desired goals. The index resonates with the needs of rural India making them contextually meaningful at the grassroots level. The PAI serves as a tool for assessment and promotes healthy competition among Panchayats. Moreover, the data collected through PAI serves as a foundation for evidence-based planning, enabling Panchayats to identify development gaps, set clear targets, and allocate resources more effectively, thus driving more strategic and impactful governance at the local level. Crucially, it enables policymakers at all levels from State Governments to Members of Parliament to assess ground-level progress and fine-tune strategies accordingly.

Release of the Panchayat Advancement Index has been possible due to the collaboration with various Union Ministries, State Governments and UN Agencies. These stakeholders have shared essential data that forms the backbone of the index, making it a comprehensive tool for monitoring development. Over 2.16 lakh Gram Panchayats from 29 States/UTs have already entered their data into the dedicated PAI Portal with each entry rigorously validated before being included in the final index. The PAI portal (www.pai.gov.in) serves as a robust, multilingual data management platform enabling Panchayats to enter and track their development metrics. Data from over 2.16 lakh Panchayats has been processed, with validation by States/ UTs. Data for 11,712 Panchayats from five States/UTs (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Goa, Puducherry, and West Bengal) were not included due to pending validation.

As India continues its journey towards the 2030 SDG targets, the PAI stands as a landmark innovation in rural governance promoting transparency, efficiency, and community-centered development. For further insights and access to detailed reports, visit www.pai.gov.in.

State Wise Number of Panchayats in Each Performance Category

 

 

 

 

 

For List of Top 25 GPs across India: Click Here

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2120320) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The first batch of three non-locally trained dentists recruited by the Department of Health started working at government dental clinics in the first quarter.

The Legislative Council passed the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 in July 2024, which introduced new pathways for admitting qualified non-locally trained dentists, including limited registration for all dentists, and special registration targeting specialist dentists.

The department launched a global recruitment drive in the same month. It received over 90 applications from non-locally trained dentists and issued 12 letters of appointment after a rigorous selection process.

Three of the applicants, after obtaining the Dental Council of Hong Kong’s approval for limited registration in February, took up their appointments with the department on March 10.

The three newly recruited dentists have practised in the Mainland, the UK and Australia after obtaining their professional qualifications in dentistry from Mainland and overseas institutions respectively.

Proficient in Cantonese, they have been assigned to work in government dental clinics with general public sessions after taking a one-week induction course.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced a domain of economic activities that comprises manufacturing and new industrialisation-related industries as devised by the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau (ITIB), in collaboration with the Census & Statistics Department (C&SD), and released statistics on the economic performance of relevant activities.

The process of manufacturing and production involves a variety of other economic activities, such as product design, technological development, data services and software development, testing and certification, as well as professional and technical services etc, all of which qualify as important elements in the development of new industrialisation.

Besides formulating the domain, the C&SD has also defined the corresponding statistical coverage based on the existing framework of the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification Version 2.0, with a view to reflecting the economic performance of these new industries of importance more precisely through objective statistical figures.

In 2023, the value added of Manufacturing & New Industrialisation-related Industries amounted to $76.8 billion, representing an increase of 7.6% over the previous year, and accounted for around 2.6% of Gross Domestic Product.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said Hong Kong is in the midst of a key transitional period of its economic model, and the development of innovation technology and the integrated development of emerging industries are crucial objectives of the country and Hong Kong.

He said: “To assist us in formulating various policies with more precision and to effectively guide social resources towards supporting and encouraging the upgrading and transformation of the traditional manufacturing industry, as well as the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong to realise the developmental targets outlined in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, we must specifically identify a range of economic activities to be covered, and from time to time conduct reviews along with the ever-changing technological and innovative landscape and the development of emerging industries.

“At the same time, we need to compile relevant statistics to objectively measure the progress of the development of innovation and new industrialisation.”

The C&SD said that it will continue to keep abreast of the latest developments and suitably review the relevant statistical framework from time to time with the ITIB and other stakeholders.

Click here for the domain.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun will depart tomorrow for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Development Showcase organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage.

 

The bureau explained that the event aims to promote Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, as well as its diverse career prospects, with a view to attracting local talent to pursue careers in Hong Kong.

 

While in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Sun will also visit Universiti Malaya, and call on officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources and representatives of local chambers.

 

Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo and Hong Kong Talent Engage Director Anthony Lau will join the trip. Other delegates include speakers of the showcase from various companies and industry associations, and representatives of nearly 40 top Greater Bay Area companies.

 

Mr Sun will return to Hong Kong on April 12. In his absence, Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau today convened a meeting to co-ordinate the preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week from May 1 to 5.

 

Noting that the number of visitor arrivals will increase during the Labour Day Golden Week, which is Hong Kong’s peak travel season, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, who hosted the meeting, explained that working together effectively is crucially important.

 

“Government departments, relevant organisations and the trade will strengthen co-ordination and communication and do our best to welcome visitors arriving in Hong Kong with a view to creating a good travel experience for visitors.”

 

The parties concerned will maintain close communication and take forward the preparations for welcoming the visitors, the bureau said, adding that they will make timely reports on the latest situation to the interdepartmental working group chaired by the Chief Secretary.

 

Representatives from Police, Customs, the Immigration and Transport departments along with District Offices took part in today’s meeting.

 

Tourism-related organisations including the Travel Industry Authority, Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority as well as major tourist attractions and the hotel industry also sent representatives to attend the meeting.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Children’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to children-a day filled with joy, laughter, and thoughtful gifts from parents and loved ones. To help make this day truly happy and safe, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, would like to extend its warmest wishes to all children in Taiwan and remind parents that when it comes to toys, safety should always come first. The Commodity Inspection Mark on toys is a clear sign that the product meets national safety standards.

To protect children’s health and safety, all toys intended for children under 14 years old are required by law to undergo inspection and must bear the official Commodity Inspection Mark. Both imported and locally-made toys are subject to this requirement before they can be sold on the market.

The BSMI encourages parents to keep the following safety tips in mind when buying and using toys:
1.Choose toys with the Commodity Inspection Mark. (Refer to the attached diagram. Information on certified toys is available on the BSMI website: https://civil.bsmi.gov.tw/bsmi_pqn/)
2.Check product labels. Ensure that information on age suitability, usage instructions, materials, and safety warnings is clearly marked in Chinese-and take the time to read them carefully.
3.Buy age-appropriate toys. Toys that are not suitable for a child’s age may lead to accidental injuries.
4.Check toys thoroughly. Make sure parts are securely attached and that there are no small, loose components that could be swallowed.
5.Check for sharp edges. Broken or poorly made toys may cause cuts or injuries.
6.Watch out for long strings or cords. These may pose a risk of strangulation for young children.

Additionally, the BSMI would like to highlight several recent incidents, both in Taiwan and abroad, related to certain popular toys. Parents are advised to pay special attention to the followings:
1.Slime toys: Some may contain excessive levels of boron, which can cause skin irritation or other health risks. Limit your child’s playtime with slime and ensure they wash their hands after use.
2.Expandable toys (water-absorbing toys): These can grow in size after absorbing water and may cause choking if swallowed. They are not suitable for children under three years old.
3.Floating balloons: Always ask the seller about the type of gas used. If the gas is flammable (such as hydrogen) or if the seller cannot confirm the gas type, do not purchase them.
4.Magnetic Buckyballs: These small, strong magnets can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed. Keep them out of reach of young children.
5.Pimple Popping Injection Squishy Toys: If these toys come with a syringe or needle, they do not meet safety standards and should not be purchased for children.
6.Automatic inflatable grenade toys: These toys can produce loud noises and potentially cause hearing damage. Heat and flying fragments from these toys may also harm children’s skin or eyes.
7.Plastic toy gravity knives: While they may seem harmless, these toy knives can still cause injury. Teach children to use them responsibly and never point them at others.

To help parents and children better understand toy safety risks, the BSMI has also produced an educational animation video on the dangers of magnetic Buckyballs, available on our website: https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/public/Data/6.mp4. We encourage parents and teachers to watch this video with children to raise awareness.

Let’s work together to make this Children’s Day happy and safe for every child.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel. (O):+886-2343-1763
Email:ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw