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More than 80 per cent of Halloween costumes aimed at children under seven failed basic safety tests

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has warned the public to take care this Halloween following tests carried out on children’s fancy dress costumes.

Posted on 28 October 2024

128 costumes aimed at under seven-year-olds were purchased from various online marketplaces and tested by the government watchdog in accordance with the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011.

Over 80 per cent of the outfits failed basic safety tests, including tests for strangulation from cords and flammability. All the costumes which failed have since been removed from sale by the online platforms.

The OPSS is asking people to be extra cautious when purchasing costumes by making sure that they buy them from trusted sources. People should also take extra care near fires and open flames, and always check for long cords or other strangulation hazards.

Leigh Day product safety partner, Jill Paterson said:  

“These test results are absolutely shocking and it is particularly unfortunate that these products were available on the market in the first place. Many people are not aware of the dangers posed by such items, which are meant to be fun. Yet again it’s left to consumers to take extra steps to be aware of unknown risks. This is yet another example of why legislators need to tighten regulation of the online marketplace. In the meantime, parents and carers of little ones should be extra vigilant.”

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