Recall of stuffed toy

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The Customs and Excise Department has recently served a Recall Notice on an importer under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance to recall a'Toonsland' stuffed toy cat.

"The cat - Model No.T8-MG1003, is a white funny toy about 23cm in height. The bell attached to the toy is easily detachable posing a choking hazard to children," said a spokesman for the Department today (Friday).

In a spot check exercise, the Department identified this stuffed toy failed to meet the requirements of the prescribed safety standards for toys.

"As it would present choking hazard to children under aged three, it has been assessed to have very high risk of causing serious injuries," the spokesman warned.

Last year, the Department carried out follow-up investigation into the supply of this stuffed toy. An importer, a wholesaler and six retailers were investigated. In the course of investigation, 27 stuffed toys of this model worth about $2,000 were seized. The importer and the wholesaler will be prosecuted in due course. At the same time, written warnings were served on all the retailers.

Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply a toy, including stuffed toy, unless the toy complies with one of the following sets of safety standards:

(a) International Voluntary Toy Safety Standard established by the International Committee of Toy industries;

(b) European Standard EN71, or

The Ordinance carries maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction and $500,000 and two years' imprisonment on subsequent conviction.

"Those who have the stuffed toy should return it to the importer. Those who have other toys with suspected detachable small parts should immediately report to the Department," the spokesman said.

For enquiries regarding enforcement and complaints of unsafe toys and children's products, consumers can write to the Trading Standards Investigation Bureau, Customs and Excise Department at Room 1201-7, Nan Fung Commercial Centre, 19 Lam Lok Streets, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon or call the Bureau's hotline at 2707 7760 during office hours. After office hours, enquiries and complaints can be made by calling 2852 3185.

End/Friday June 25,1999

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