Hong Kong Customs alerts public to three models of unsafe babywear (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs today (August 27) alerted members of the public to three unsafe models of babywear. Test results indicated that the cords of the three models of babywear could pose strangulation and injury hazards to babies. Parents are advised not to dress their babies with the three models of clothes to avoid incidents.

     Customs earlier received referral from a related organisation that three models of suspected unsafe babywear were being supplied on the market. Customs officers immediately conducted spot checks in various districts and test-purchased the three products for safety tests by a laboratory.

     The test results revealed that the cords near the upper chest of the three models of babywear could strangle babies and pose suffocation risks. In addition, the cord ends of one of the models were too loose, which may tightly entangle babies' fingers and restrict blood circulation. Meanwhile, the cords of another model were too long, which could entangle with other objects and cause injury to babies. It was also found that samples of that model contained formaldehyde levels that exceeded the limit of the relevant safety standard, suspected of failing to comply with the general safety requirement of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).

     Customs officers subsequently conducted operations and seized a total of about 1 600 pieces of two of the related products from three retailers in Tsim Sha Tsui, Quarry Bay and Tsuen Wan, and two wholesalers and importers in Tsuen Wan.

     Prohibition notices were served on the retailers, and the wholesalers and importers concerned, prohibiting the continued sale of the three models of babywear.

     Furthermore, Customs officers have conducted inspections in various districts and have not found any sale of the three products concerned so far.

     The investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing babywear:

• Pay attention to the style and design as well as the structure of the babywear to see if there is any potential hazard;
• Beware of whether the cords are too loose when purchasing babywear with upper chest cords;
• Beware of whether the drawstrings of the babywear are too long; and
• Choose a suitable size and avoid purchasing babywear that is too tight or too loose.

     Customs also reminds traders to comply with the statutory requirements of the CGSO to protect the safety of consumers. Under the CGSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirement for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or by filling in an online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).