Over 90% of online Halloween costumes fail UK safety laws
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 10:32 · Archive
An investigation found that 91 per cent of children's Halloween costumes bought online failed UK safety and flammability requirements.
An investigation by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute tested children's Halloween costumes bought from third-party sellers on major online marketplaces and found a 91 per cent failure rate, with ten out of eleven outfits breaching UK legal requirements.
Problems identified ranged from missing safety warnings to garments posing a potential strangulation risk to young children. Several costumes lacked correct safety information, leaving parents unaware of hidden dangers. Flammability tests carried out alongside the London Fire Brigade demonstrated how rapidly garments ignite when exposed to naked flames, including candles inside carved pumpkins.
Children's fancy dress outfits are legally classified as toys under UK law and must meet strict flammability standards. Lawful costumes must display a UKCA or CE safety mark, alongside the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer. Certain designs must also feature clear warning labels stating 'keep away from fire'. Lewis Collantine, lead officer for product safety at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said the findings were disappointing but unsurprising, noting that major online marketplaces had continued to be a source of unsafe Halloween costumes entering the UK market.
How it is being reported
- Halloween warning as 90 per cent of costumes are breaking UK lawTrading Standards and fire chiefs warn parents after 91% of tested children's Halloween costumes bought online failed UK safety and flammability laws.Colchester Gazette · 17 Oct, 10:00
- Halloween warning as 90 per cent of costumes are breaking UK lawTrading Standards and fire chiefs warn parents after 91% of tested children's Halloween costumes bought online failed UK safety and flammability laws.Echo (Basildon) · 17 Oct, 08:00
In this story: Chartered Trading Standards Institute · London Fire Brigade · Claudia Winkleman · Lewis Collantine
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