Parents and retailers are being urged to take care when buying children’s toys following the seizure of thousands of non-compliant and counterfeit products in Newport.
Newport City Council’s trading standards officers have confiscated significant quantities of items from shops over recent months, including 1,611 “Labubu” dolls and 1,299 squishy toys.
The warning particularly applies to products that have become the latest craze among children, with shoppers advised not to assume cheaper versions meet the required safety standards.
Trading standards officers are urging people to check that toys carry a CE or UKCA mark, which indicates that the product has undergone an appropriate safety assessment.
Products should also include clear safety instructions explaining what to do if the toy leaks, breaks or is punctured.
Buyers should look for the name and address of a UK-based responsible person, such as the manufacturer or importer. This information allows those responsible for the product to be identified if a safety concern arises.
A strong or unusual chemical smell could also indicate that a toy does not meet safety requirements.
Trading standards officers have investigated concerns about noticeable smells coming from some dumpling toys, with testing revealing hazardous chemicals in certain products.
Councillor Mark Spencer, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for communities and sport, said: “We all know about ‘pester power” and it can be tempting to buy cheaper versions of toys which have become the latest ‘must have’ for children rather than the genuine articles.
“However, recent media stories have highlighted how children have been injured by ‘exploding’ squishy toys so it is vitally important that people take care when buying these and similar toys.
“I would also urge retailers to ensure that they only stock items that they can confirm meet all the safety standards.”
Anyone concerned about the safety of a toy should stop using it immediately and report the product to their local trading standards service through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
