Hong Kong Customs alerts public to two models of unsafe toys (with photos)
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Customs officers earlier test-purchased various toys from the Lunar New Year fair stalls for safety testing. Test results revealed that one model of slingshot toy had a projectile with a certain amount of kinetic energy but did not have a leading part made of a resilient material. It also did not carry the required warnings and cautions about the potential hazards, nor did it carry the required identification markings under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO). It could cause injuries to other people if the object was aimed at the eyes or the face.
Customs also discovered one model of tangram contained small components but lacked the required warnings and cautions about age recommendations and the potential hazards. It also did not carry the required identification markings under the TCPSO. It could pose a danger of suffocation for children if accidentally swallowed.
In the operation, Customs seized a total of about 700 slingshot toys and tangrams. A prohibition notice on the related person was also served to prohibit the continued sale of the unsafe toys by the retailer. Customs officers also conducted a territory-wide surveillance of the toys, but no such toys were found available for sale.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and playing with slingshot toys and tangram toys:
- Pay attention to age recommendations shown on labels;
- Pay attention to and follow the instructions associated with the toys;
- Do not put items other than original accessories into toys for shooting;
- Do not shoot items into eyes or faces; and
- Beware of whether the small parts of toys are easily detachable. Detached small parts may block a child's throat and lead to suffocation if swallowed.
Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the TCPSO it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction 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 a subsequent conviction.
Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products via Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Saturday, May 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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