OPSS issues children’s Halloween costume warning
Public asked to be vigilant following tests.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has asked the public to be vigilant following tests carried out on Halloween fancy dress costumes for children.
Tests on 128 costumes aimed at under seven years olds found more than 80 per cent failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation from cords.
Costumes were purchased from a range of online marketplaces and tested against the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011. All those which failed have since been removed from sale by the platforms.
OPSS is now urging the public to always buy costumes from trusted sources and take care when near fires, particularly open flames.
Head and neck drawstrings or cords can also strangle or entrap children so always check for long cords or other strangulation hazards.
Said OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell:
Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests show many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.
Tests conducted June 2024
| Standards tested against | Number of items tested | Pass | Fail | Inconclusive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS EN 71-2: 2020 – Flammability of toys | 128 | 99 | 28 | 1 |
| BS EN 14682:2014 – Safety of children’s clothing. Cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing | 73 | 14 | 59 | 0 |
| Labelling | 128 | 30 | 98 | 0 |
Products are required to have the following labelling requirements:
- Reg 18 CE (or UKCA mark)
- Reg 19 Type, batch or serial or model number
- Reg 19 Manufacturer name, trade name or trademark
- Reg 19 Single manufacturer address
- Reg 20 Suitable instructions \ safety information
- Reg 27 Importer’s name, trade name or trademark
- Reg 27 Importer’s UK/EU address