A Trading Standards project across the West of Scotland has resulted in more than 16,000 unsafe and non-compliant toys being removed from sale.
Led by the council on behalf of the West of Scotland Safety Working Group, the project involved inspections of 165 retail and wholesale premises and 32,316 toys.
Over half of the toys inspected - 18,075 – were found to be non-compliant or unsafe.
Small parts which are easily detached were one of the most significant hazards identified. These are particularly dangerous for children under three years of age, who are more likely to place toys and toy components in their mouths. Detached parts can cause choking, suffocation or internal injury if swallowed.
The types of chemicals used in the manufacture of toys are controlled, as some have been associated with long-term health effects, including impacts on fertility and an increased risk of cancer. A number of the toys inspected by officers failed safety tests.
All new toys sold in the UK must show a manufacturer/importer name and address in the UK, product traceability, and CE and/or UKCA mark on the toy or its packaging. This proves that all appropriate safety assessments, testing and compliance procedures have been carried out. Many of the toys inspected by Trading Standards did not have this information.
“Parents and carers should be able to trust that toys offered for sale are safe,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.
“This project identified significant levels of non-compliance and demonstrates the vital role Trading Standards services play in protecting consumers.
“Through coordinated enforcement activity, more than 16,000 non-compliant or unsafe toys were removed from the market, reducing the risk of harm to children and supporting responsible businesses.”
The West of Scotland Safety Working Group will use the findings from this project to help strengthen product safety compliance and tackle unsafe products throughout the supply chain. Further toy safety work is continuing across Scotland, with additional results expected later in the year from the North and East Safety Working Groups.