Toys from China have flooded the local market after the local producers of toys closed down their production units and opted for imports from China for obvious reasons - low prices.
The Chinese plastic products being cheaper in price and good in quality were popular in the USA and Europe till recently when it was publicised in the press that Chinese toys were not safe for children.
After the appearance of this news, parents stopped purchasing Chinese products and a sudden slowdown in the sale of toys hit hard Chinese production units. Prices went down, and the stock of goods begun to pile up in China. There was need to explore markets in other parts of the world. Third world, and from among them, developing countries, were targeted to be used as proper market for toys rejected from the developed countries.
This situation made Chinese toys cheaper than locally produced in Pakistan and imports began. China found another market in Pakistan and the children new toys one better in performance and durability than the locally produced toys.
In Pakistan awakening regarding the use of plastic material is limited. The price factor dominates and any suggestion as to its impact on health doesn't matter much.
The Pakistani health, environment and quality control authorities have not tested plastic toys of Chinese origin. There is no certification to its suitability to children's health. Any government or private organisation has not looked into the carcinogenic effect of plastic used in the manufacturing of these toys.
Plastic dolls from China are attractive and pleasing to touch. A lot of children are seen buying them for themselves and as gift for their friends. These dolls remain in the laps of children most of the time. They change their clothes, shoes, comb their hair and when finally ready to be taken out of the dollhouse, they kiss them.
The question to be asked is about the effect of this frequent treatment to dolls given by children. The sale and purchase (import) has been banned in the United States of America and in Europe to protect children from any adverse effect of Chinese toys, whereas, in Pakistan these toys are available in plenty.
Import of toys in Pakistan in huge quantity has not only impacted the trade balance but has adversely affected the local toy industry. The cottage industry in Hyderabad has two distinguishing features: bungles and toys. The toy industry is at the verge if extinction. Though the local units, being small in size could not import toys from abroad but they participated in setting up small outlets for the sale of imported toys.
This has now closed down their production units, which was like cottage industry and a source of employment for many people. Along with this activity, the century-old mastery and skill in toy making which was the prerogative of the local people has begun to fade away. Not only this, but children and parents have begun to develop a liking for the softness and finish of the imported dolls. There is need to look into the whole process and evaluate its impact on the local cottage industry, local job creation, local culture and health of the people using health hazardous goods.
Above all, when locally manufactured toys are already available in the market why to import toys and burden your own economy, health and cultural heritage.
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