Like every January, the movement in stores selling school supplies increases. The demand for textbooks, notebooks and other equipment, such as pencils, pens and erasers, makes parents and guardians look for the best prices and quality of products.
To assist at the time of purchase and ensure that the items purchased meet safety and quality standards, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) provides essential tips so that those responsible can avoid problems.
The president of Inmetro, Márcio André Brito, advises that the essential thing is for consumers to be aware of some important tips, such as observing the presence of the Institute’s certification seal and the information described on product packaging. The invoice is essential to prove the origin of the material and facilitate any complaints.
“We advise parents and consumers to check, when purchasing school materials, whether the products have the seal [do Inmetro]if they are appropriate for the child’s age group and if they are being purchased in formal establishments, which guarantee the origin of these items. These measures help prevent possible risks to the health and safety of children, as well as all users”, he explained.
Pricing
According to the Brazilian Association of School Supplies Manufacturers and Importers (Abfiae), school supplies are expected to be between 5% and 9% more expensive in 2025. The association’s executive president, Sidnei Bergamaschi, said that the rise in prices is attributed to a combination of economic and logistical factors, such as high taxation, production costs and the appreciation of the dollar.
“Taxes are an important component in the final order of school supplies. Several products have up to 40% taxes. Almost half of the price of the final product is imposed on the items that make up the basket”, he informed.
