Bromley trading standards is reminding people about taking extra care considering buying cheap or second-hand toys. This applies to shops, online retailers and marketplaces, markets and car boot sales
These toys might save you money but beware of toys that:
- Contain small parts that can present a choking hazard. Pull at the parts such as the eyes on soft toys such as teddy bears to see if they’re coming loose.
- Require a battery to operate and check the battery compartment is secured with a screw. Button batteries can be fatal if they are swallowed, as can magnets.
We urge you to view the Don’t Toy with Children’s Safety video on the British Toy and Hobby Association’s (BHTA) website – Advocacy - BTHA.
We also advise that you stick to reputable sellers and toys that have CE or UKCA markings, meaning the toy complies with European or UK safety legislation and come with their original instructions. The Lion mark on toys is also a reliable indicator that the toy will be safe as it has been manufactured by a member of the BTHA.
Among the things to avoid are:
- Older second-hand (especially plastic) toys that have not been subject to today’s rigorous safety checks and regulations
- Painted toys as the paint could be lead based
- Sharp metal points
- Toys that appear cheap with poorly applied markings
If you’re thinking of purchasing online, you will not have an opportunity to examine the goods before purchase, and you could also be dealing with a seller outside of the UK and EU where safety standards for toys can be very much different to ours.
For more information, visit:
Report and assistance
Visit the Citizens Advice website for help and advice or call 0808 223 1133.
Report any concerns to Citizens Advice or email trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.
Bromley trading standards
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Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.