Halloween costumes online fail UK safety tests at alarming rates

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

An investigation found that 91 per cent of children's Halloween costumes bought online from major marketplaces failed UK safety and flammability laws.

An investigation by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has found that 91 per cent of children's Halloween costumes tested from online marketplaces failed UK safety laws. Ten out of eleven randomly purchased outfits breached legal requirements, with problems ranging from missing safety warnings to garments posing potential strangulation risks to young children.

Children's fancy dress outfits are classified as toys under UK law and must meet strict flammability standards. Flammability tests carried out with the London Fire Brigade demonstrated how rapidly the garments can ignite when exposed to naked flames, including candles in carved pumpkins. Lawful costumes must display a UKCA or CE safety mark, the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer, and certain designs must feature warning labels stating 'keep away from fire'.

Lewis Collantine, lead officer for product safety at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: 'The findings are disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising. For several years, major online marketplaces have continued to be a source of unsafe toys and Halloween costumes entering the UK market.' He noted concerns about missing essential safety markings and lack of traceability information.

The safety warnings follow a 2014 incident when the daughter of television presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered serious burns when her witch costume brushed against a candle.

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.Malvern Gazette · 18 Oct, 05:00
• 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.Worcester News · 18 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Chartered Trading Standards Institute · London Fire Brigade · Lewis Collantine · Claudia Winkleman · UK

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