Luxembourg’s Institute for Standardisation, Accreditation, Security and Quality of Goods (ILNAS) and Services has issued a quality warning about “fidget spinners”, the latest toy craze to sweep across Europe, with addicts among young and old alike. The Institute advises consumers to be vigilant as to the quality of what they’re buying, and to ensure in particular that the product carries the CE mark.
Notwithstanding the fact that the gadgets are now flooding shops across the Continent, its success has created stock shortages in some places. They have also caused accidents, including the risk of choking.
To meet the high demand for the objects, spinners are being manufactured at low cost in Asia and imported for resale in Europe for anything between €1 and €35.
However, the ILNAS, in close cooperation with Customs, has already blocked the importation of thousands of these toys because they do not comply with European legislation concerning the safety of toys.
Many are not marked “CE”, which is the manufacturer's declaration that their toys meet essential European safety requirements, and are therefore entitled to free movement throughout the EU and EFTA member states.
Consumers are also advised to check whether the address of the manufacturer or importer is on the packaging.
The ILNAS also recommends checking the solidity of the fidget Spinner in order to see if small parts can become detached and thus present a risk of suffocation when ingested by a child.
It should also be noted that although these products are not intended for children under three years of age, they can be attractive to them because of their bright colours or flashing lights. This is why it is strongly recommended that these toys should never be left in the reach of small children.
Image: Wikimedia.
