Buying toys from unverified sources can have serious consequences. Young children are exposed to toxic substances, and unstable, small parts increase the risk of choking. Research conducted by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE), which represents toy manufacturers in the European Union and the UK, revealed that up to 80% of toys sold on platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon do not comply with EU safety regulations.
Testing Over 100 Toys
The authors of the study purchased over 100 products from third-party sellers on 10 different online platforms, including Temu, Shein, and Amazon. The findings showed that the toys posed serious risks to children. For example, a teething toy for infants broke into small pieces, posing a choking hazard. Additionally, some products were found to contain boron concentrations that exceeded EU limits by 13 times. Boron is a toxic element that can cause serious health problems when consumed in excess.
Products are entering the European market without proper safety testing. TIE warns that unless e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon are mandated to monitor and enforce EU regulations, dangerous toys will continue to flood the market.
Platform Owners Respond to Accusations
Representatives of the platforms responded to the allegations. An Amazon spokesperson told CNN that the company has implemented proactive measures to prevent dangerous or non-compliant products from being listed on the site. The company emphasized that the products mentioned in the report were removed while investigations were underway.
"All sellers on our platform must adhere to strict safety standards. We respond quickly to feedback, taking immediate action to remove non-compliant products," a Temu spokesperson stated. Shein's representative echoed similar sentiments. However, despite these assurances, as CNN points out, unsafe products continue to be available on these platforms.
