Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe stuffed toy (with photos)

Hong Kong Customs today (January 20) alerted members of the public to an unsafe model of a stuffed toy. Test results indicated that the elastic loop of the toy could pose suffocation risks to children. To avoid an accident, parents should immediately stop their children from playing with the stuffed toy. Traders should also remove the stuffed toy from their shelves.

Customs officers earlier conducted a test-buy operation on 11 models of Lunar New Year toys from retailers in different districts for safety testing. Test results revealed that one stuffed toy model would pose a risk of suffocation to children if their neck became entangled with the toy's elastic loop after elongation. Moreover, Customs also found the stuffed toy did not bear the identification markings and English warnings or cautions prescribed by the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO).

Customs officers later conducted an operation and seized a total of 68 pieces of suspected unsafe stuffed toys of the same model from three branches of the retailer involved, and a prohibition notice was served at the same time to prohibit from supplying of the stuffed toys.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing toys:

• Pay attention to the age recommendations shown on labels;
• Pay attention to and follow the instructions associated with the toys;
• Pay attention to whether the loops of the toys are too long, so as to avoid suffocation caused by young children's necks becoming entangled with the loops;
• Beware of whether the small parts of toys (e.g. the eyes of stuffed toys) are easily detachable. Detached small parts may block a child's throat and lead to suffocation if swallowed;
• Check the structure of the toys to see, for example, whether they have a fragile structure, hidden sharp points, rough surfaces, sharp edges or gaps that may pinch children's fingers;
• Throw away plastic packages of toys and children's products to avoid children being suffocated; and
• Stop children from playing with the toys immediately if any damage is observed.

Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.

Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply toys for local consumption unless the toys comply with prescribed safety standards. 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 a subsequent conviction.

Members of the public with information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Hong Kong Customs today (January 20) alerted members of the public to an unsafe model of a stuffed toy. Test results indicated that the elastic loop of the toy could pose suffocation risks to children. Photo shows the stuffed toy concerned.

Hong Kong Customs today (January 20) alerted members of the public to an unsafe model of a stuffed toy. Test results indicated that the elastic loop of the toy could pose suffocation risks to children. Photo shows the elastic loop of the stuffed toy concerned.