Press Releases

BSMI announces hair straightener/curler inspection results BSMI, MOEA January 16, 2019

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Besides facial care, a lot of women also pay great attention to hair treatment and hairstyle. That being said, a good hair straightener/curler allows one to create a variety of easy hairstyles. To ensure consumer rights, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) purchased 10 products from department stores and drug stores in the third season of 2018 and conducted an inspection, which revealed that one sample failed the “structure inspection,” three failed the “key component matching” inspection and four did not meet the Chinese labeling requirements. However, all samples have met the commodity inspection mark requirements.

Inspection standards
The inspection was carried out according to the following standards and requirements
1)CNS 3765 “Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 1: General requirements”
2)CNS 13783 “Electromagnetic compatibility − Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus − Part 1: Emission”
3)IEC 60335-2-23 “Household and similar electrical appliances-Part 2-23: Particular requirements for appliances for skin or hair care”

Five quality tests were conducted, including “temperature rise test,” “current leakage, insulation resistance and electrical strength test,” “abnormal operation test,” “structure inspection” and “electromagnetic compatibility”. “Key component matching” inspection as well as “commodity inspection mark” and “Chinese labeling” requirements were carried out according to the Commodity Inspection Act and the above-mentioned standards.

Inspection results
1)Quality test:
1.1 All passed the “temperature rise test,” “current leakage, insulation resistance and electrical strength test,” “abnormal operation test” and “electromagnetic compatibility” inspections.
1.2 One item (number 10) failed the “structure inspection” because when the temperature rises over 75K, the outer metal part should not be made of PVC insulated sheathed cord.

2) Key component matching: Three items (number 1, 9 and 10) failed the inspection because the following items did not match the ones indicated in the original technical document.
2.1 Number 1: The capacity voltage (C1) model for parts did not match the one indicated in the original document.
2.2 Number 9: The circuit board and structure did not match the ones indicated in the original document.
2.3 Number 10: The product exterior, power cable material (PVC) and switch circuit board did not match the ones indicated in the original document.

3) Labeling:
3.1 All passed the “Commodity inspection mark” inspection.
3.2 Chinese labeling: Four items (number 1, 4, 9 and 10) failed the inspection because of the following reasons.
3.2.1 Number 1: The indicated specification of 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz and 40-35W did not match the one stated in the original document, which is 110/220V,60Hz and 40/35W. The diameter of the IEC 60417-1 5582 graphic symbol was only 5mm and did not meet the requirement of 10mm.
3.2.2 Number 4: Category II electronic appliances symbol 回, IEC 60417-1 5582 graphic symbol and words of “Warning! Do not use this appliance near water” were not indicated in the Chinese label.
3.2.3 Number 9: On and off were not indicated on the switch
3.2.4 Number 10: The diameter of the IEC 60417-1 5582 graphic symbol was only 8.8mm and did not meet the requirement of 10mm.

Follow-up procedures
1) With regards to the item (number 10) that failed the quality test, the registration of product certification will be rescinded according to Article 42-1 of the Commodity Inspection Act. If the vendor concerned failed to recall or correct the product within a given time limit, a fine between 100,000 NTD and 1,000,000 NTD will be imposed according to Article 63-1 of the Commodity Inspection Act.
2) With regards to the items (number 1, 9 and 10) that failed the key component matching inspection, vendors responsible for number 1 and 9 will be notified to submit an application for approval or for series of the same type model according to Article 40 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Failure to do so will result in the revoke of the registration of product certification. As for number 10, please refer to follow-up procedure 1) as it also failed the quality test.
3) With regards to the items (number 1, 4, 9 and 10) that failed the Chinese labeling inspection, the vendor responsible for number 4 will be notified to make corrections within a given time limit. Failure to do so will result in a fine between 100,000 NTD and 1,000,000 NTD according to Article 59 of the Commodity Inspection Act and the revoke of the registration of product certification according to Article 42 of the same Act. As for number 1, 9 and 10, please refer to follow-up procedure 2) as they also failed other inspections.

The BSMI said that hair straightener/curler is subject to mandatory inspection before being dispatched from the factory or imported. The BSMI has an annual market inspection scheme to counter marketed products that are not in conformity with national standards. Inspectors will be dispatched to look into under qualified products, make a record and take legal actions. Consumer rights are ensured under this double-checking mechanism.

Precautions when purchasing hair straightener/curler
The BSMI said that manufacturers are responsible for product safety and correctness of labels. Consumers are also urged to pay attention to the following precautions when purchasing hair straightener/curler.

1) Consumers are advised to purchase hair straightener/curler that comes with a commodity inspection mark ,or.For further inquiries, please refer to https://civil.bsmi.gov.tw/bsmi_pqn.
2) Make sure that the product comes with an instruction booklet. Follow the instruction when using the appliance and pay attention to warnings.
3) Do not use the hair straightener/curler near the bathtub, shower, sink or containers with water inside to prevent risks of electric shock.
4) When connected to power, the plate can be extremely hot. To prevent risk of burns, do not touch the plate.
5) Do not use the hair straightener/curler near inflammables such as alcohol, spray and hair gel to prevent risk of burns and fire.
6) To prevent risks of electric shock, do not touch the power plug with wet hands.
7) Conduct maintenance regularly according to the instruction to ensure function. When cleaning the appliance, make sure you pay attention to the instruction and warnings to prevent risks of burns.
8) Pay attention to the hair straightener/curler at all times and do not let the power cord get entangled during use. Should the hair straightener/curler malfunctions, stop from use immediately and contact the manufacturer’s designated repair station. Do not change the parts or disassemble by yourself. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safety.

The BSMI reminds consumers that more knowledge you have about the products you are buying means more safety. For more information, please visit the BSMI Product Safety Internet at https://safety.bsmi.gov.tw or call the toll free number of 0800-007123.

Agengy in charge : 3th Divison Office
Contact person : Mr. Wang, Chun-Chao
Telephone : (02)2343-1777

• 編修日期：2019/08/13
• 上稿單位：檢驗行政組