Suffolk Trading Standards has confiscated 425 dangerous inflatable costumes for children due to a high risk of asphyxiation. The products, imported from China, failed to meet UK safety regulations.
The big picture: Suffolk Trading Standards' Imports Team intercepted a shipment of 425 unsafe children's inflatable costumes before they could reach consumers. They were intended for sale on Amazon but their overly long drawstrings posed an increased of asphyxiation.
Key details:
The costumes failed to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Excessively long drawstrings around the neck could tighten, potentially strangling or injuring children.
Amazon has removed the product listings.
The seized goods have been destroyed.
What you can do:
If you've purchased a potentially unsafe product, stop using it immediately.
Report concerns to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Only buy from reputable retailers and when shopping on online marketplaces, check seller details for a UK address.
Read product reviews carefully and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
