Hong Kong Customs today (June 21) alerted members of the public to the potential hazards posed by a type of shovel and fork toy set. They are advised not to let children play with these toys to ensure their safety. Test results indicated that the shovel could pose a suffocation risk to children.
Customs officers earlier conducted a test-buy operation and purchased the toy set from a department store for safety testing by the Government Laboratory. Results revealed that the design of the shovel of the toy set failed to meet the requirements as specified in related toy standards, and children could easily cover their mouth and nose with the shovel tightly, posing a risk of suffocation.
Customs officers subsequently seized the above-mentioned toy sets from the department store and its warehouse. A total of 193 sets were seized. Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply 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 to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
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