CCPC warns of the dangers of unsafe toys following product safety inspections
December 19, 2018
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is warning retailers and shoppers about the dangers of unsafe products, particularly toys, this Christmas. The warning follows unannounced inspections of the Henry Street Christmas market in Dublin, which were carried out by the CCPC and Revenue Commissioners.
As part of the operation, a number of stalls were inspected and a variety of products were removed by the CCPC for further assessment. The products which were taken away included toys which did not have the correct CE marking, the manufacturer’s name or address, or did not have any warning labels for younger children. Details such as these, could indicate that the products do not meet EU safety regulations and standards, and therefore may pose a safety risk to consumers, particularly to young children.
Commenting on the inspections, Áine Carroll, Director, Communications and Policy with the CCPC said, “Particularly at this time of the year, we are urging consumers to check that any toys that they buy have genuine CE marks. A CE mark is extremely important as it indicates that a toy has met the required Irish and European safety regulations and standards. Also, check that the manufacturer’s name or trademark and address is visible on the packaging, and look for the presence of warnings indicating that the toy might be dangerous for babies or young children. If there isn’t a CE mark, or other information is missing, don’t buy it. Contact the CCPC through our website ccpc.ie or call our helpline on 01 402 5555.”
“We are also reminding businesses that they are required, by law, to ensure that the products they sell conform to EU and Irish safety regulations and standards. Retailers must ensure that all goods they sell are certified as meeting these standards. If we find that a trader has failed to fulfil their duties, we will not hesitate in taking the appropriate enforcement action, including withdrawal of the product from sale or if the product is being imported, the consignment may be seized and destroyed or re-exported. Traders can find more information about safety regulations and the related standards here.
More Information
What does a real CE mark look like?
Safety tips for Christmas
- Always buy toys from trustworthy retailers. Businesses, by law, are required to ensure that the products they sell conform to EU and Irish standards.
- Check for the CE mark – if the toy does not have the official CE mark, or does not have the CE mark at all, don’t buy it.
- Check for any warnings about an appropriate age group for the toy.
- Check for detachable small parts that could lodge in the ears, nose or throat, and cause an injury or a choke hazard to your child.
- Watch out for toys containing magnets as they could be harmful if ingested. Toys with magnets should have a warning displayed at the point of sale, on the packaging or attached to the toy.
- Check for batteries – If the toy uses batteries, make sure the child cannot open the part of the toy where the batteries are stored. Avoid mixing old and new batteries or different strength batteries in the toy as this can make the old or weaker batteries very hot. Also, keep watch or ‘button’ batteries away from small children as these can be dangerous if swallowed.
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