ANPC has issued a warning below with a wide range of recommendations for parents who are interested in buying their children products to use at home or outside, whether it is toys or other types of products that are used by children, or together with them.
"PRESS RELEASE - Coordinated Activities on Product Safety in the European Union (CASP)/ CASP Results 2020
The CASP 2020 project started in January 2020 and ran until the middle of the current year and included seven product-specific activities (SPAs) selected by Member States (MSAs).
The activities specific to the selected products were:
1. Nitrosamines in toys;
2. Outdoor play equipment for home;
3. Baby baskets, co-sleeper cots, sleeping bags;
4. Cables;
5. Small heaters for the kitchen;
6. Hazardous metals present in jewelry (CASP Online);
7. Car seats for children.
With the development of e-commerce, many member states (MSAs) have also expressed their interest in product safety and online market surveillance challenges. Therefore, the CASP Online 2020 sub-project included coordinated activities that addressed these aspects, more specifically:
• hazardous metals present in jewelry (ASP);
• online market surveillance;
• information campaign for economic operators/consumers.
For each of the seven product categories, a set of recommendations has been issued for consumers, what they should consider when purchasing the product and what they can do to reduce the risks.
Product recommendations:
1. Toys for children
What to watch out for?
• Always read labeling and warnings. Guidance is often given as to what age children can safely play with a toy.
• Natural rubber can cause severe allergic reactions, so watch out for latex warnings.
• When buying online, make sure all the correct information is available so you can review it before you buy.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Supervise children at all times! An adult should be present whenever children play.
• Use air pumps to inflate the balloons. Don't set a bad example by putting balloons in your mouth.
• Dispose of the packaging carefully. Don't leave pieces of plastic around.
• Read warnings before giving toys to children and keep all labels for reference.
2. Outdoor play equipment
What to watch out for?
• Check whether they are intended for indoor or outdoor use. Make sure they are for domestic use only.
• Choose toys that match the child's abilities and skill level.
• Only buy equipment that bears the CE mark (on the toy or on the packaging) – this proves that it has passed EU safety tests.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Carefully read all warnings and follow instructions for use and assembly of these products.
• Ensure that children using the equipment are of appropriate weight and height. Toys that are not intended for the child's specific age group may injure the child.
• Always report any safety concerns to the toy manufacturer or distributor. This information is very useful for everyone.
3. Baby baskets, cots, sleeping bags
What to watch out for?
• Pay close attention to warnings, markings and instructions.
• Check the standards applicable to these products and carry out your own safety checks. For example, cords should not exceed 220 mm. Use the roulette!
• Try to buy from specialty stores if possible. Their staff will be better prepared to help you.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Monitor recall campaigns closely. If you own a product that is being recalled, stop using it and follow the recall notification instructions.
• Pay attention to plastic packaging and keep it away from children.
• Carefully read and follow the assembly instructions for the crib that attaches to the bed and make sure it is attached correctly. If a child is left unattended, check that the side is up and the wheels are locked.
• Always supervise children when they are in the bassinet and avoid placing the bassinet on the bed.
4. Cables
What to watch out for?
• Make sure the product is accompanied by safety information – this should always be clearly displayed.
• Always check the packaging and markings of a cable. Make sure it is designed for the purposes you intend to use it for. Will you be using it outdoors or indoors? Make sure you purchase the correct type of cable.
• Carefully check the product itself. Only buy if it appears to be well made. If the exterior is in good condition, the interior is likely to be as well.
• Is the product accompanied by detailed information on the manufacturer? Details about a product's provenance are always comforting.
• Try to buy from specialty stores if possible. Their staff will be better prepared to help you.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Make sure the product is compatible with the power source to which it is connected. Overheating can cause surrounding plastics to melt, potentially exposing live parts.
• These products are not toys. Make sure they are out of reach of children.
• Always follow instructions. It is important that these products are used correctly.
5. Small heaters for the kitchen
What to watch out for?
• Check the packaging for safety markings and warning signs and pay close attention to them. Safety information must be clearly displayed on the product.
• If a product looks damaged on the outside, it is likely to be damaged on the inside. You cannot protect yourself from hidden defects.
• Check if the product includes manufacturer information; it is important to have their contact details in case you encounter a problem.
• Try to buy from specialty stores if possible. Their staff will be better prepared to help you.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Follow the instructions! Always make sure you understand them, follow them closely and use the appliances only for their intended purpose.
• Place the appliance in a place out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials such as curtains.
• Also be aware of the risks they pose to older children – they love helping out in the kitchen, but these appliances can get hot!
6. Hazardous metals in jewelry
What to watch out for?
• One in three products tested in this activity contained or released excessive amounts of hazardous metals, so be extra careful when purchasing jewelry.
• According to Article 33 of the REACH Regulation [(EC) 1907/2006], questions from consumers regarding the presence of a substance of very high concern in a piece of jewelery must be answered within 45 days. Exercise your right to know and double check what you are buying.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Supervise children. Lead is sweet to the taste, and this can cause little ones to put the gem in their mouths. If a child swallows a piece of jewelry, seek medical attention immediately.
• Stop wearing jewelry if it causes an allergic reaction. If you experience allergy symptoms, stop wearing the jewelry immediately and seek medical attention.
• Do not wear jewelry while sleeping. Jewelry that releases excessive nickel and comes into prolonged contact with the skin can increase health risks for consumers. Smaller jewelry can be accidentally swallowed while you sleep.
7. Car seats
What to watch out for?
• Always check the packaging and markings. Make sure you understand the instructions and product markings and that safety information is clearly displayed.
• Familiarize yourself with relevant safety regulations. Seats of type R129 must meet stricter requirements than seats of type R44. This can be important to consider when making a purchase.
• Try to buy from specialty stores if possible. Their staff will be better prepared to help you.
What can you do to reduce the risks?
• Always follow instructions. It is especially important that parents or caregivers pay close attention to the fastening instructions and follow them exactly. If the instructions are not clear, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer, importer or specialist store where you purchased the product to ensure that the seat is properly installed and the child is correctly secured in the seat.
• Make sure the seat is the correct size for the child and the vehicle in which it will be installed.
• Carry the child rear-facing for as long as possible until it reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the instructions. Riding in this position can be safer for young children because the seat absorbs more impact energy and protects the head, neck and spine."
