Customs has found eight battery-operated toy lanterns, four traditional paper lanterns and two light sticks unsafe after conducting 136 spot checks on retailers.

Among the eight battery-operated toy lanterns, 16 traditional paper lanterns and five light sticks tested, six traditional paper lanterns and three light sticks proved to be safe. Testing on six traditional paper lanterns by Government Laboratory is continuing.

Unsafe toys: A battery-operated toy lantern (left) has been rated low risk as its small batteries may pose choking hazards to children. Another battery-operated toy lantern (middle) and paper lantern (right) does not carry the required markings.

Lack of instructions

For the remaining toys, eight battery-operated lanterns did not carry the required instructions on safe battery usage, battery polarity and voltage. One even contained small batteries that can be removed easily and may pose choking hazards to children. The Government Laboratory subsequently confirmed the risk as low.

Four traditional paper lanterns did not carry safety warnings in respect of sharp edges and sharp points. Two light sticks were found without the identification markings.

The department may prosecute or serve written warnings on suppliers concerned.

On sound-producing features, six battery-operated toy lanterns with such features were confirmed comply with European standards.

Safety tips

Parents should look for potential hazards when selecting such toys for their children. The potential risks posed by these unsafe lanterns included burns caused by battery overheating or the high temperature from the burning candle when hanging the paper lantern.

They are advised:

* not to let children aged under three play with battery-operated toy lanterns, traditional paper lanterns and light sticks alone without close supervision;

* not to let children put the musical toy lanterns close to their ears when playing;

* to cover the sound-producing device with adhesive tape to reduce the volume where appropriate;

* to follow instructions on package when playing festive products; and pay attention to the warning labels;

* not to bend the light sticks when use, and dispose of them immediately once they cease lighting;

* to rinse with a large amount of water and seek medical advice at once if a user accidentally makes contact with the chemical inside the light stick; and,

* not to leave the lit paper lantern unattended or place it near inflammable objects. Beware of the heat from the burning candle when touching the hanging wire of the paper lantern.

Last year the department conducted 122 spot checks, resulting one person persecuted and 48 suppliers warned for supplying unsafe lanterns and light sticks.

To report unsafe toys and children's products and consumer goods, write to Customs' Consumer Protection & Prosecution Bureau at 11/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point or call the Customs 24-hour hotline, 2545 6182.