Over 80% of children’s halloween costumes failed basic safety tests, says government safety watchdog
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a stark warning to parents ahead of Halloween, urging them to be vigilant when buying costumes for their children.
Tests conducted on 128 Halloween costumes aimed at children under seven revealed that over 80% failed basic safety checks, with significant risks posed by flammability and strangulation hazards from cords and drawstrings.
Costumes purchased from various online marketplaces were tested against the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011.
Out of the 128 costumes tested for flammability, 28 failed, and one result was inconclusive.
Additionally, of 73 costumes checked for dangerous cords and drawstrings, 59 failed to meet safety standards.
OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell highlighted the dangers posed by these costumes:
“Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests show many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.”
The OPSS has taken action to remove all non-compliant costumes from sale across online platforms.
However, they are urging the public to only purchase Halloween costumes from trusted sources and to be particularly cautious around open flames, as many costumes failed flammability tests.
Parents are also advised to check for long cords or drawstrings, which can pose a risk of strangulation or entrapment.
Labelling standards were another concern, with 98 out of 128 costumes failing to meet basic labelling requirements. Proper labelling, which includes clear instructions and safety information, is critical for ensuring that parents are aware of potential hazards.
The tests, conducted in June 2024, revealed the following results:
| Standard | Number of Items Tested | Pass | Fail | Inconclusive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flammability (BS EN 71-2: 2020) | 128 | 99 | 28 | 1 |
| Cords and drawstrings safety (BS EN 14682: 2014) | 73 | 14 | 59 | 0 |
| Labelling | 128 | 30 | 98 | 0 |
The OPSS is calling on parents to be extra cautious during the Halloween period, especially when it comes to costumes with long cords or those made of materials that could easily catch fire.
For a safe Halloween, parents are reminded to avoid costumes with hazardous features and to ensure any purchased items carry proper labels, including the UKCA or CE mark, clear safety instructions, and information on the manufacturer and importer.
When shopping for costumes, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends:
- Checking Safety Marks: In England, Scotland, and Wales, only costumes or toys displaying the UKCA or CE marks should be bought. For Northern Ireland, the UKNI symbol alongside the UKCA or CE mark is essential. All components of Halloween attire, including wigs and face masks, should be flame-resistant as per EN71 part 2, the standard governing toy flammability. Moreover, items retailed in the UK by British Retail Consortium (BRC) members typically undergo rigorous fire safety testing and come labelled, confirming the additional safety assessments.
- Exercising Caution with Unknown Brands: RoSPA cautions against buying from lesser-known or exclusively online brands. Such products might not comply with stringent safety standards, exposing users to elevated fire and chemical hazards.
- Avoiding Flames: All attire, especially Halloween costumes, must be kept away from open flames, including candles. RoSPA urges using battery-powered candles as a safer alternative during Halloween festivities.
- Visibility is Key: With many Halloween costumes being dark, RoSPA advises equipping children with torches and adding reflective elements to their costumes to ensure they’re visible to motorists. Always having an adult accompany children can further enhance safety.
The full report and safety recommendations can be found on the OPSS website.
