Customs request model of baby cot pulled from shelves over safety concerns
Customs on Friday reminded the public to stop using a model of a baby cot after test results indicated the cot might pose a safety hazard. Traders are also advised to remove the cot from their shelves.
Officers purchased a model of a cot for safety testing from a children's products retailer in Tsim Sha Tsui earlier. Test results revealed that the zippers of the cot had easily detachable small parts that could pose a risk of suffocation to children if they swallowed those parts.
Moreover, the material of the zippers released excessive organic tin, to which regular exposure may harm children's health.
Customs later conducted an operation and seized two suspected unsafe cots of the same model from the retailer. The retailer was also served a prohibition notice at the same time to prohibit the continued sale of the cot concerned.
The investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminded customers to confirm the recommended usage age for the cots and examine the cot after assembling the parts to ensure no issues. Citizens should stop using the cot immediately if any damage is observed or if it is unstable.
A customs spokesperson warned that under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, anyone who supplies, manufactures, or imports unsafe toys or children's products could face a maximum of HK$100,000 fine and one-year imprisonment on their first conviction.
The penalties would then escalate to a HK$500,000 fine and two-year imprisonment for subsequent convictions.