Hong Kong Customs today (July 16) alerted members of the public to the potential hazards posed by a type of magnetic robot toy. They are advised not to let children play with this toy to ensure their safety. Test results indicate that the magnetic component parts of the toy could pose a potential risk of intestinal blockage to children.
Customs officers earlier conducted a test-buy operation and purchased the toy from a souvenir shop for safety testing by the Government Laboratory. Results revealed that the magnetic strength of the toy's small magnetic component parts as well as small releasable magnets exceeded the upper limit as specified in related toy safety standards and would pose a potential risk of intestinal blockage if swallowed by children.
Customs officers today seized a total of 200 pieces of the magnetic robot toy from the souvenir shop's retail spots and warehouse. Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction 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.
Members of the public may report information relating to unsafe toys or children's products suspected to be unsafe via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, July 16, 2019
