Trading Standards chiefs have urged Scots shoppers to be vigilant after nine out of ten boys bought from seven major online marketplaces failed safety tests.
What you should know to buy toys safely online
Follow this advice from the British Toy & Hobby Association and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to shop safely
- Research before you purchase. Search for the company/brand that makes the toy or character you want to buy and then include the company name when you search the online marketplace. Make sure the toy you want has not been recalled and look to make sure there are no news stories about safety concerns.
- Check reviews of the seller and make sure that you know how to contact them if there are any issues with the toy. Be careful when buying from third-party sellers on online marketplaces. Get as much information on the seller as you can, especially if you’re buying from an online marketplace. Not everything sold on an online platform is supplied by them – don’t assume that the platform has conducted any tests or checks.
- If the actual supplier is not based in the UK, you may face heightened risks. Be wary of going for the cheapest option – compare the toy’s price with other sellers. If it’s a fraction of the cost, the price could be lower due to a number of factors. It could be a counterfeit product, it may include cheaper materials and may not have gone through the correct legal testing and assessments. Check the product carefully before giving it to a child.
- Check it has an EU address and a CE mark. Check that toys are clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.
- Check for strangulation hazards such as loose ribbons on toys and costumes. Ensure that any button batteries in a toy are safely behind a screwed down flap. Check that the packaging looks genuine, with no spelling errors and the warnings and labels in the correct language. Check that there is an address to contact in case anything is wrong with the toy.
- Always supervise the child when they play with the toy for the first time – many of the illegal toys found by the BTHA broke very quickly, releasing dangerous small parts or gel contents.
