Neil Coyle is leading calls to crack down on unsafe toys being sold by online marketplaces.
A new report, commissioned by the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), based in Bermondsey’s Long Lane, found that 60 per cent of the toys tested from online marketplaces could cause serious injury or death to children. Many are for sale via third-parties. Shockingly, 86 per cent of those tested were illegal to sell in the UK as they failed to comply with child safety laws.
“I have been a strong supporter of the association in its fight against illegal and dangerous toys sold by third party sellers on online marketplaces,” said the Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP.
“Many parents have turned to these online giants to source toys and games to educate and entertain their children since the onset of COVID-19 and many are unaware that these sellers may not adhere to the rigorous safety standards we expect from products sold in the UK.
“The BTHA’s important investigation has shed light on the prolific sale of these goods and the lack of responsibility for their regulation, I fully support their calls for accountability, more effective enforcement and improved consumer protection.”
The association says changes should be made to UK legislation to make online marketplaces jointly liable for third-party sales, and more powers for trading standards and other regulators.
Natasha Crookes, Director of Public Affairs for the BTHA, said: “Little or no action has been taken to make sustained changes that will protect children from unsafe toys.
“Faults we have identified include access to small batteries that burn the oesophagus if swallowed, use of restricted chemicals, small parts which are a choke risk, the use of long chords with their increased risk of strangulation and magnets which are extremely harmful if ingested.”