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A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (Wednesday) appealed to parents to look out for the recall arrangements for a rattle which failed to meet the prescribed safety standards for toys.
"The Department has recently served a Recall Notice on an importer under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance to recall the rattle," said the spokesman.
In response to a referral from the Consumer Council, the Department obtained four samples of the rattle for safety tests. As a result, it was identified that the rattle failed to meet the requirements of the prescribed safety standards for toys. This rattle liberated small parts and its handle was too long. Such non-compliance would present choking hazard to children under aged three.
"This rattle has been assessed to have very high risk of causing serious injuries," the spokesman explained.
In April this year, the Department carried out follow-up investigations into the supply of this rattle. An importer and a retailer were investigated. It was found that 60 rattles were imported by the importer and all the rattles had been sold out through its retailer. Meantime, a written warning has been served on the retailer.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to import or supply a toy including rattle 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 EN 71;
(c) ASTM F963-96a.
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 on subsequent conviction.
"Small parts are liberated from the rattle when it is subjected to abuse. Besides, the handle was longer than that specified in the safety standards. All these pose choking hazard to children.
" Those who have the aforesaid rattle should return to the importer in accordance with the arrangements to be announced in newspapers," he said.
Those who have other models of rattle with suspected detachable small parts and substandard handle should immediately report to the Department, he advised.
Taking this opportunity, the spokesman urged parents to choose toys carefully for their children especially when the festive season is near. Here are some safety advices for parents:
* When choosing toys, look for labels that give age recommendations;
* Make sure to read and follow all instructions that come with the toys;
* Toys with small parts are dangerous for children under aged three. Keep small objects out of a child's reach. Some toys which are safe for older children may contain small parts which are hazardous to a younger child. Tiny toys and toys with small, removable parts can be swallowed, inhaled or choked to death;
* Check toys periodically and throw away broken toys which may have sharp edges;
* Keep plush toys and soft toys away from fire and sources of heat;
* Make sure batteries in toys are properly installed and not accessible to the child. It is dangerous to mix old batteries with new one or to mix alkaline with carbon, or rechargeable with non-rechargeable;
* Attention should be paid to the instructions for use accompanying with the toys that are for use only under direct supervision of an adult and the toys with functional sharp points or cutting edges;
* Never tie toys around a child's neck. Never leave cords of any kind near an infant. Strings, cords and other items tied around the neck can strangle infants;
* Store toys safely - teach children to put toys away to avoid tripping hazards, and check toy boxes and shelves for safety; and
* It is important to know that no matter how much safety is built into a toy, supervision, proper use and maintenance of toys are essential.
For enquiries regarding the 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 Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon or call its hotline 2707 7760 during office hours. After office hours, enquiries and complaints can be made by calling 2852 3185.
End/Wednesday, December 15, 1999
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