Over 25,000 Unsafe Toys, Costumes, and Props Removed from Irish Market by CCPC

Significant Number of Unsafe Products Withdrawn

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland has revealed that more than 25,000 unsafe toys, costumes, and props have been recalled or withdrawn from the Irish market since Halloween 2024. This significant action was taken due to the products failing to meet essential safety standards, posing various risks to children.

The announcement comes as the consumer watchdog emphasizes the importance of vigilance, particularly with the upcoming Halloween season, urging parents and guardians to carefully inspect items purchased for children.

Key Safety Hazards Identified

The unsafe items were removed for a range of reasons, primarily concerning the absence of crucial safety features and the presence of dangerous components. The CCPC highlighted several specific hazards:

• Lack of CE Mark and Flame-Resistant Labels: Many costumes, masks, and accessories, which are classified as toys, lacked the mandatory CE mark, indicating they do not meet recognized safety standards. Furthermore, the absence of flame-resistant labels on costumes was a concern, as these labels signify that the material is designed to resist ignition and stop burning quickly once a flame source is removed.
• Small Parts: For children under three years old, items with small, loose parts, including batteries, present a significant choking hazard. The CCPC advises that anything smaller than a €2 coin could be dangerous.
• Button Batteries: These small, disc-shaped batteries are particularly hazardous if ingested. Products where battery packs can be easily opened were identified as unsafe, with a strong recommendation to stop using such items immediately and keep all batteries out of children's reach.
• Strings and Cords: Costumes for children under seven years old with fixed cords or strings around the head, neck, or chest pose a strangulation risk. Safer alternatives include breakaway fastenings like Velcro or snaps.

CCPC's Proactive Measures and Consumer Guidance

The CCPC's product safety officers actively inspect hundreds of products annually, working in collaboration with toy retailers, businesses across Ireland, European safety networks, and Revenue Customs. This concerted effort aims to intercept and prevent dangerous products from reaching consumers. When products fail to comply with safety standards, the CCPC utilizes its statutory powers to ensure their removal from shelves.

Gráinne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, encouraged parents to employ the Commission's '3-Step Safety Check' when purchasing costumes and accessories. Consumers are advised that buying from reputable shops in Ireland provides stronger consumer rights.

The CCPC urges anyone with concerns about the safety of a Halloween costume, prop, or accessory to stop using it immediately and contact the CCPC's national consumer helpline at 01 402 5555, as well as reporting the issue to the manufacturer or retailer.