Parents should be careful when selecting battery-operated lanterns and light sticks for children as some are unsafe, the Customs & Excise Department says.

It recently conducted 97 spot checks on various retailers supplying the festive toys. Fourteen battery-operated lanterns and seven light sticks were tested for compliance with prescribed stands and requirements.

Eight lanterns did not carry the required instructions on safe battery usage, and nine lanterns and five light sticks were found without identification markings - the name and address of the local manufacturer, importer or the supplier.

One lantern sample failed to comply with the 'drop test', as small parts dropped out and sharp points were easily exposed, posing hazards to users.

Twelve lanterns with sound-producing features complied with the requirement of the peak emission sound pressure level prescribed in the current European Standard for toys.

The department will initiate investigations into the suppliers concerned and prosecute or serve written warnings to those supplying unsafe toys.