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The 10 models of battery-operated toy lanterns and seven models of light sticks sent to the Government Laboratory for testing all failed to meet the prescribed safety standards under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance.
These items also failed to meet the requirements of identification marking for toys under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Regulation.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said today (September 10) that all 10 tested samples of battery-operated toy lanterns failed to carry the required instructions on safe battery usage such as "Do not mix old and new batteries" and "Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries". The battery compartment was also not marked to show the correct battery polarity and voltage.
"The seven samples of light sticks and nine samples of toy lanterns were found without the identification markings, that is, the name and address of the local manufacturer, importer, or the supplier, on the packaging," the spokesman added.
Customs will initiate investigations into the 17 suppliers concerned. The department will prosecute or serve written warnings to suppliers of unsafe battery-operated toy lanterns and light sticks to protect consumers' interests.
The Government Laboratory also confirmed that samples of battery-operated toy lanterns, which had sound-producing features, were found to have complied with the requirements of the peak emission sound pressure level prescribed in the current European Standard for toys that emit continuous sound. Of these 10 models, nine were musical as well as battery-operated toy lanterns.
Despite this, parents are advised to be cautious when their children are playing with these musical toys. Tips to guard against potential risks are as follows:
* Do not let children put the musical toy lanterns close to their ears while playing; and
* Stick adhesive tape onto the sound-producing devices to reduce the volume.
The public is urged to report any unsafe toys to the Customs and Excise Department by calling 2545 6182.
End/Wednesday, September 10, 2003
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