Written reply to PQ on Asbestos Testing and Investigations of Coloured Play Sand Products with Safety Measures Following International Recall

Question:

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Consumer Product Safety Office has tested coloured play sand products in Singapore for asbestos following recalls in Australia and New Zealand; (b) whether investigations into local supply chains originating from affected manufacturers of such items are underway; and (c) if so, whether the Ministry will issue interim safety guidelines to preschools and indoor playgrounds pending these findings. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) under the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) oversees the safety of general consumer goods, including children’s toys such as coloured play sand. Under the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations, children’s toys must comply with relevant requirements on physical safety and harmful substances such as heavy metals. 

2.                Specifically for asbestos, the National Environment Agency’s (NEA's) Environmental Protection and Management Act regulates its import, manufacture and sale. 

3.                  Following the overseas product recalls of coloured play sand containing asbestos, CPSO and NEA have conducted checks and found that none of the affected products are sold by major physical retailers locally. Two e-commerce platforms that were found to be selling the affected products have been informed by NEA to take down the product listings. NEA has also conducted selective testing of other coloured play sand products in the local market and no asbestos content was detected. 

4.                  As there are no significant safety risks posed by coloured play sand products locally, there is no need to issue interim safety guidelines to local preschools and indoor playgrounds. The Government will continue to monitor the situation, and engage retailers and relevant stakeholders should there be potential product safety concerns.