Christmas toy safety alert: Which? finds dangerous toys on online marketplaces
Parents urged to avoid unbranded toys online as Which? uncovers safety risks. Discover how to shop safe this Christmas.
Parents are being urged to take extra caution this Christmas after an investigation by Which? found unbranded toys online posing serious risks to children.
As Christmas approaches, many parents are shopping for affordable gifts online – but a recent Which? investigation has exposed the hidden dangers lurking on popular online marketplaces.
Testing 23 unbranded toys from platforms such as TikTok Shop, eBay, AliExpress, and Wish, the consumer group found that over half were unsafe, posing risks such as choking, strangulation, and sharp edges.
The investigation revealed a shocking lack of safety compliance, with 91% of the tested toys missing required safety markings, making them illegal to sell in the UK.
Among the most dangerous issues found were:
- Choking hazards: Toys such as a magnetic fishing set from eBay and a sensory fidget toy from TikTok Shop broke into small pieces, creating choking risks.
- Strangulation risks: A Fruugo ring teether had ribbons exceeding the UK safety limit of 30cm.
- Sharp edges: A “busy cube” from AliExpress had exposed screws and sharp parts capable of cutting a child’s skin.
- Battery risks: A crib toy from Wish featured loose button batteries, which can cause severe internal damage if swallowed.
One parent reviewing a sensory toy sold on TikTok Shop reported, “My baby choked.” While the platform has since removed the listing, the incident highlights the potential danger of buying unbranded or poorly tested toys online.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, described the findings as deeply concerning:
It was frighteningly easy for Which? to find dangerous toys for sale on some of the world’s most popular online marketplaces. This is particularly worrying as many families are shopping for affordable gifts ahead of Christmas.
UK law requires strict safety warnings and labels on toys, particularly for those unsuitable for children under three. Examples include warnings about choking hazards or advice on using protective gear for certain toys.
Despite these regulations, most of the tested toys lacked essential warnings or had incorrect markings, making them illegal to sell in the UK.
In response to the Which? findings:
- TikTok, eBay, and AliExpress removed flagged listings and stated their commitment to improving safety.
- Fruugo claimed it had withdrawn unsafe products and was enhancing its monitoring processes.
- Wish did not provide a response.
Which? is calling on the UK government to strengthen the law, urging platforms to take greater responsibility for vetting and removing unsafe products. Concha added: “The government must act fast and use its Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to impose strict obligations on online marketplaces, with tough enforcement for non-compliance.”
How to shop safely this Christmas
To ensure your children’s safety, follow these tips when shopping for toys:
- Stick to reputable retailers: Well-known stores and brands are more likely to adhere to UK safety standards.
- Check for safety labels: Look for CE or UKCA marks, and avoid products with missing or incorrect labels.
- Read reviews: Parent feedback can reveal potential safety concerns.
- Avoid unbranded toys: These are often poorly made and less likely to meet safety regulations.
If you’re looking for safe, high-quality toys, the MadeForMums Toy Awards 2024 spans 43 categories, celebrating the best baby, toddler, and children’s toys, rigorously tested by real families.
From educational toys to arts and crafts, the winners are safe, sustainable, and guaranteed to delight your little ones.
Read more:
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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