Guisers beware – Trading Standards say check your fancy dress costume this Halloween

 

poster

 

Highland Council Trading Standards are highlighting some top tips to ensure a spooky and fun but safe Halloween.  This advice reminds parents what to look out for when buying children’s fancy dress and dressing up costumes in the lead up to Halloween.

Children’s fancy dress costumes and accessories must comply with the Toy Safety Standard EN71 which includes requirements on flammability and labelling.

Parents are advised to:

  • Carefully check the labels and packaging and observe the warnings stated.
  • Look for the ‘CE’ mark – this is the manufacturer’s declaration that they comply with the Toy Safety Regulations
  • Check the label and packaging for instructions and safety information.
  • Check the label contains the manufacturers name, address, postcode or phone number
  • Check for product recalls – search for “CTSI recalls” online
  • Consider who you are buying from – only buy from reputable retailers
  • Beware of counterfeits!

David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Manager, provided some further safety advice for Halloween:

“Another suggestion is to consider using battery powered LED lights in lanterns and pumpkins to reduce the risk of costumes coming into contact with naked flames.  Also, facepaint and makeup must comply with the Cosmetic Safety Regulations so check that the list of ingredients, manufacturers or importers name and address is given and only buy from reputable retailers and beware of fakes.”

And safety at Halloween is not restricted to children’s products.  In recent years there has been an increase in adults taking part in Halloween and using cosmetic or zero-powered contact lenses which can be very effective at changing your appearance and completing a costume.  But these can only be legally supplied by, or under the supervision of, a registered optometrist, dispensing optician or medical practitioner.  Concerns about the sales of cosmetic contact lenses can be reported to the General Optical Council www.optical.org

David MacKenzie concluded: “the message is have fun and be safe this Halloween”.

Report concerns about children’s fancy dress costumes to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

27 Oct 2016