Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe flying toy with projectiles (with photo)
​Hong Kong Customs today (July 14) reminded members of the public to stay alert to an unsafe model of a flying toy with projectiles. Test results indicated that the toy could pose a risk of hurting children's or other people's eyes or faces. To avoid an accident, parents should immediately stop their children playing with the toy. Traders should also remove the toy from their shelves.
Customs earlier test-purchased various models of throwing and flying toys from retailers in different districts for safety testing. Test results revealed that one model of a flying toy with projectiles could discharge projectiles with a kinetic energy level exceeding the safety limit. It could cause injury to other people if the shooting was aimed at the eyes or the face.
Customs later conducted an operation and searched a retailer's premises in connection with the case. Five suspected unsafe flying toys with projectiles of the same model were seized and a prohibition notice was served at the same time to prohibit the continued sale of the toy by the retailer.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and playing with throwing and flying toys:
- Pay attention to age recommendations shown on labels;
- Pay attention to and follow all instructions associated with the throwing and flying toys; and
- Do not aim the throwing and flying toys at eyes or faces and shoot.
Customs is committed to safeguarding consumers' safety and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
