The Customs and Excise Department today (October 26) alerted parents to watch out for potential hazards posed by the plastic packaging of a Halloween headband toy.
Customs officers recently conducted spot checks on retailers supplying Halloween toys in different districts. A total of 23 different types of toys were sent to the Government Laboratory for safety tests. Results showed that a type of headband toy was found with a safety problem as it was contained in an elastic plastic bag less than 0.038mm thick, posing the danger of suffocation to children who put the bag on the head. Customs officers took follow-up action and seized 2,747 unsafe toys from the branch stores of a toy chain retailer. A Prohibition Notice has been served on the retailer prohibiting the supply of the concerned toys. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesman advised parents to properly dispose of the plastic packaging of toys and make sure that children do not put the bag on their head. Parents are also advised to be alert to potential hazards when selecting toys for their children.
Customs conducts 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, Customs and Excise Department, 11/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point.
Ends/Tuesday, October 26, 2010
