HONG KONG: The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) alerts members of the public to watch out for the potential hazards posed by unsafe multi-purpose playpen with mat here the other day.
The C&ED recently collected samples of the product for testing. After laboratory testing on its safety, themulti-purpose playpen with mat was found failing to comply with the prescribed toy safety standards as stipulated under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance. Test result revealed that (i) the zipper heads were detached and damaged after the tension test; (ii) the total lead content of the zipper heads exceeded the permissible limit; (iii) the spacing of the circular holes of the zipper head could not pass the safety standard; and (iv) thickness of the plastic packaging bag was too thin which did not comply with the safety requirement.
The test results indicated that the product would pose a potential hazard to users, particular for children under three years old.
The detached and damaged zipper parts would pose a choking and suffocation hazard to children if they put it in mouth. Excessive lead content in toy would pose the poisoning hazard to children. On the other hand, entrapment hazard would be posed to children if they accidentally insert their fingers in the circular holes of the zipper head.
The plastic packaging bag was too thin which posed the risk of suffocation to children who put the bag on the head.
Customs officers earlier this week seized eight sets of multi-purpose playpen with mat from the branch stores of a toy chain retailer. Prohibition Notice had been served on the retailer and importer prohibiting the supply of the mutli-purpose playpen with mat. Investigation is continuing.
Under the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys into Hong Kong.
The maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
To report unsafe toys, please call the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau, Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
