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The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (September 20) alerted parents to watch out for potential hazards posed by a rattle toy.
Customs officers recently conducted spot checks on toy retailers in various districts. A number of toy samples were sent to the Government Laboratory for safety tests. The results revealed that a sample of a rattle toy had some small parts detachable from the main body and its handle was too small. It may pose a choking hazard if children put the small parts or the handle into their mouths.
During follow-up action, the C&ED seized three rattle toys from a local retailer in Kwun Tong. The department also served a prohibition notice to the retailer prohibiting supply of the unsafe toys. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesman advised parents to watch out for potential hazards when selecting toys for their children.
Customs will continue to conduct spot checks on the safety of toys and children's products to ensure their compliance with the safety requirements of the prescribed standards under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance in order to protect consumers' interests.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to import, manufacture or supply unsafe toys in Hong Kong. The maximum penalty for the offence 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 subsequent conviction.
To report unsafe toys and children's products, consumers may call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or write to the Consumer Protection Bureau (1), Customs and Excise Department, 14/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, September 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:40
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