The Halloween mask that’s not so “Great for parties”...

One of the latest products to be stopped from reaching our shelves is a Halloween mask for children.  The EU Toys Directive sets out the standards which all toys must meet as a minimum safety requirement. 

The mask, which was picked up by the Romanian Authorities, fails to meet the Directive as it has a lack of ventilation causing a risk of suffocation. 

The product packaging says “Great for parties”...we are not convinced!

Trick or Treat!

Retailers and consumers must be aware that unsafe products still find their way into our homes, however the majority of products are safe and do comply with safety standards. RAPEX, the EU rapid alert system for dangerous products issues a weekly report highlighting unsafe products picked up by market surveillance authorities such as Trading Standards, see http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex/rapex_archives_en.cfm. 

To help combat these unsafe products TÜV SÜD works closely with manufacturers, importers, retailers and the market surveillance authorities.

“Not only do our safety compliance experts ensure that products meet international requirements, we routinely conduct product assessments and factory inspections to ensure ongoing safety and quality.”  Richard Poate, Compliance Services Manager, TÜV SÜD.

Our CE marking facility near Stratford conducts risk assessments for due diligence; product testing; compilation and checking of technical documentation and advises steps to be taken to ensure toys are reliably manufactured to the designed to 'safe specifications'.  “These services provide manufacturers with the tools and support necessary to be able for them to sell safe toys; it is vital to ensure that all due diligence is taken, especially where child safety is involved” Alastair McLaughlin, Toy Safety Specialist, TÜV SÜD.

The product is listed on the RAPEX report as item 19, Week 41, 2010.  Find the link here:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/rapex/create_rapex.cfm?rx_id=319