As Christmas approaches, retailers have prepared for the rush to buy toys, wide-screen TVs, computer games, mobile phones or winter jackets. But just how safe are those gifts under the Christmas tree? TÜV SÜD Product Service provides consumers with ten tips on how to keep risks to a minimum when buying presents.
1. No hotline to Santa Claus?
Then it’s best to get your presents from specialist retailers, respectable online shops or reputable discounters, where you can return defective goods and also claim damages if the worst comes to the worst.
2. Even Father Christmas has a home address!
Are the manufacturers or importer’s name and full address given on the present you have chosen? Beware if these details are missing, as is often the case with cheap – and possibly dangerous – products without identifiable origin.
3. Being thrifty may be nifty - but not at Christmas.
Ensure that the price of your present is in relation to its material value. Cut-price offers frequently compromise on safety and reliability.
4. A ‘passport’ but not a safety label.
CE marking only reflects a manufacturer’s declaration that its products comply with the minimum requirements of the relevant European directives. Neither product nor production facilities, however, undergo third-party inspection by a certification body. As a ‘passport’ for ensuring free trade in the European Union, CE marking primarily addresses the requirements of the EU authorities, not those of consumers.
5. A safe and merry Christmas.
“GS“ stands for “Geprüfte Sicherheit” or “tested safety“, which means products identified by this mark have been tested by an approved third-party certifier. This test mark also covers the inspection of the production facilities at least once a year. Here at TÜV SÜD Product Service only one in three products passes the type approval test straight away. Any products that fail will need to be re-worked before being re-tested or may never make it on the market. Some product certification organizations have further improved the GS mark, testing additional product characteristics such as fitness for use or energy efficiency. TÜV SÜD Product Service confirms such characteristics by issuing the TÜV SÜD Octagon mark.
6. Christmas in the air? Follow your nose.
avoid buying products with a strongly chemical or scented smell, which may be an indication of pollutants. Painted toys should always be sweat and saliva proof. Run a wetted finger over the present you have selected. If the paint comes off, it’s best to put the product back on the shelf.
7. Festivities free from rough edges: especially where children’s toys are concerned.
Take the toy in your hand and test it for rough edges or sharp corners which may cause injuries.
8. The bigger the present the better!
This primarily holds true for children up to the age of three, who tend to put toys in their mouths. To avoid the risk of suffocation, toddlers should not be allowed to get hold of anything the size of a one pound coin or smaller. Also watch out that toys cannot be taken apart. Take the age restrictions provided by manufacturers seriously!
9. Teddy bears under the shower!
Clean washable presents before they are used, especially if this is recommended in the instructions for use. Allow rag dolls, Father Christmases and other soft toys to dry out thoroughly to prevent mould spores from forming. A 24-hour stay in the freezer takes care of dust mites.
10. Caution: technical jargon!
Does the present come with instructions for use in plain and understandable language? If there are no instructions for use or if the translation sounds as if it was computer-generated you should sit up and take notice. Read the instructions for use thoroughly before using the present for the first time. Be sure to heed all warning notices issued by the manufacturer!
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