Nine out of Eleven items of children's clothing purchased from high street retailers failed to meet basic safety requirements. The 9 items that failed presented unsatisfactory risks of injury to children. Faults included loose buttons and decorative components presenting a risk of choking to young children under 3 years of age and sashes, ties and belts that were too long presenting risks of tripping and entrapment.
All of the items of unsafe clothing were removed from sale and the companies involved are currently being investigated. The safety of children's clothing is assessed by reference to relevant Standards and Codes of Practice.
The main dangers covered are:
• Choking hazards from buttons and other detachable components
• Entrapment or strangulation from hood cords in the neck area whilst using playground equipment etc.
• Entrapment from decorative cords, ribbons, sashes or drawstrings extending from hem or the waist area, in car doors and bike wheels etc.
David Bull Head of Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards Service said 'It is disappointing that some manufacturers and importers are not complying with important safety requirements. I am very disappointed with these failures, as these safety standards have been in place now for a number of years and were implemented to the safeguard children'.
Leicestershire County Council
20240830145952.gif)
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "UBM China (Shanghai)")
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
