Put toy safety top of your Christmas list
December 15, 2023
Christmas is nearly here yet you still may be scrambling to complete that gift hunt! If buying toys, you should make sure you know what is and isn’t a safe toy. We’ve put together a checklist of what you need to consider so your children can enjoy a safe and happy festive season.
Check for the CE Mark
When shopping for toys this Christmas, check that they have the CE mark before you buy. You’ll find it on the product, in the instruction manual, or on the packaging. Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that all toys they sale are safe. If the toy does not have the official CE mark, do not buy it!
If you’ve bought the toys online, check for the CE mark as soon as they arrive. Toys without a verified CE mark points to them not meeting the required safety standard. All toys should also have their own instructions and safety information written in English.
Buy from reputable businesses
You should only buy toys from reputable businesses. This reduces the chances of the toys being unsafe or having a fake CE mark. Do your research on the seller if you’re buying online, especially if it’s an online marketplace. This applies particularly to second hand toys. Watch out for rogue sellers who may turn up online or at markets, car-boot sales and online.
Rogue traders may ignore safety standards and sell poor quality toys. Buying from an established retailer means you can return the item if something goes wrong.
Read about your consumer rights.
Look for the age range
It may seem an obvious thing, but you should always check the age guidance on children’s toys. The age label indicates whether the toy is suitable or not for the child’s age. Babies and toddlers tend to put most things in their mouths. This is why toys unsuited to this age category must state “not suitable for under threes” or have the 0-3 age symbol below.
Do a battery check
If the toy uses batteries, make sure they are safely behind a screwed down cover. Your child should not be able to access them. Button batteries especially are dangerous if swallowed.
Who to report to
If you come across a toy that seems unsafe, lacks a genuine CE Mark or looks like it has a fake CE mark, you can report it to the CCPC.
If you feel that a business has breached your consumer rights, you should complain to the business.
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