The Customs and Excise Department today (February 8) alerted parents to watch out for potential hazards posed by two magnetic fishing game toys.
Customs officers recently conducted spot checks on several toys on sale in the toy shops and sent a number of toy samples to the Government Laboratory for safety tests. The results revealed that the small magnetic components of two magnetic fishing game toys are easily detached from the main body and become small parts. Furthermore, the magnetic flux index of these magnetic small parts was found to exceed the specified safety limit. Children may easily swallow the magnetic small parts, posing the risk of choking or intestinal blockage.
Customs took immediate action and seized a total of 1 348 sets of these magnetic fishing game toys from two local wholesalers and a retailer. The department also served prohibition notices to these traders, prohibiting them from supplying these unsafe toys. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesperson advised parents to watch out for potential hazards when selecting toys for their children.
Customs will continue to conduct spot checks on the safety of toys and children's products to ensure their compliance with the safety requirements of the prescribed standards under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance in order to protect consumers' interests.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply unsafe toys in Hong Kong. The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
To report unsafe toys and children's products, consumers may call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau (1), Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, February 8 2013
