Electrical toys

The activity has looked at the electrical safety aspects of different battery and mains powered toys. Some toys were also tested for compliance with the ROHS2 Directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium. In total, JA2016 tested 238 samples according to the Electrical Toy standard and 119 for ROHS. 135 out of the 238 samples (about 58%) had some form of non-compliance with respect to their safety.

13 samples were found to contain a ‘serious risk’ and were reported in the European Commission Safety Gate tool. 73 out of 119 samples (61%) tested for compliance with the ROHS2 Directive were not compliant, most of which had extremely high levels of lead and/or cadmium. 66 out of the 73 non-compliant samples were determined by the MSAs to pose a ‘serious risk’.

72 out of the 73 non-compliant samples have been notified by the MSAs through the Safety Gate tool for dangerous non-food products.

HOW PARENTS SHOULD AVOID ACCIDENTS RELATED TO BUTTON-CELLS:

    •     Store button cells out of sight and reach of children.
    •     Try to opt for products that have a securely fastened battery compartment, especially if you have young     children.
    •     Make sure that you securely refasten the battery compartment every time you change the button cell     batteries.
    •     DO NOT keep your waste button cells at home. Take them to a collection point for recycling.
    •     DO NOT store button cells together with medication/tablets or coins.