CCPC seizes over 700 Halloween items at Dublin port due to safety concerns
October 23, 2017
Parents warned to check for CE marks on children’s Halloween costumes & toys
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has seized and destroyed two consignments of over 700 Halloween-related products at Dublin port. The CCPC, working with Revenue and Customs, found that the products did not meet EU safety standards and therefore were not safe for Irish consumers.
Following information from Revenue and Customs earlier this month, the CCPC stopped two consignments containing Halloween products and a detailed examination by the CCPC determined that the products did not meet the required safety standards set out in Irish and European legislation. Following this determination, the CCPC ordered the destruction of the products.
Speaking about the seizure of the unsafe products Áine Carroll of the CCPC said, “Our aim is to ensure that goods placed on the Irish market do not pose a safety risk to consumers. These items did not meet required safety standards and so we took the necessary steps to ensure that consumers in Ireland were not put at risk.”
“Particularly at this time of the year when children are dressing up for Halloween, it is important that parents remember to check costumes and toys for a CE mark as these labels show that the manufacturer has complied with national and international standards. Parents should also follow any safety warnings attached to garments such as “Warning Keep Away From Fire”. If you see a product that seems unsafe and if it doesn’t have a CE Mark don’t buy it. Instead, contact us through our website www.ccpc.ie with the details of product and where you saw it.”
“We remind manufacturers, importers and distributors that they have a duty to ensure that the toys they wish to sell, including costumes and props, comply with product safety standards. Failure to do so may not only result in financial loss to the trader but more importantly their products may cause physical harm, particularly to children. The CCPC works closely with Customs in conducting extensive market surveillance to check compliance. And, if we find a trader has failed to fulfil their duties, we will not hesitate in taking appropriate measures, including seizure, destruction or deportation, to prevent unsafe products from being placed on the Irish market. ”
More information about product safety legislation can be found at www.ccpc.ie/business/product-safety.
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