A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (March 17) appealed to parents to watch out for the recall arrangements for a toy xylophone (Music Series 12 Celesta Xylophone, Item No. 565) which had failed to meet the prescribed safety standards for toys.
"The Department served a Recall Notice on an importer-cum-retailer under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance to recall the toy in question," he said. The importer-cum-retailer has two shops, respectively located in Mong Kok and Wan Chai.
During a spot check by the Department, the toy xylophone was identified as failing to meet the requirements of the prescribed safety standard for toys.
According to a safety test against the toy xylophone by the Government Laboratory, the soluble migrated element (lead and chromium) in toy material of the toy was found containing excessive lead content of 1500 to 1700 mg/kg and chromium content of 270 to 430 mg/kg. Such levels exceeded the safety standard of 250 mg/kg for both lead and chromium.
The toy was assessed to have high risk of causing poisoning hazard to young children. Customs investigation into this case is continuing.
People who have purchased the toy are advised to contact the retailer concerned at 2390 3337 during office hours for returning the product.
For report about unsafe toys and children's products, consumers can write to the Consumer Protection and Prosecution Bureau, Customs and Excise Department at 11/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point or call the Customs 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply a toy unless the toy complies with one of the following sets of safety standards:
The Ordinance carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a $500,000 fine and two years' imprisonment on subsequent conviction.
Ends/Friday, March 17, 2006