Parents urged to check safety labels after costume test failures
Parents are being urged to take extra care this Halloween after new government testing revealed widespread safety failures in children’s fancy dress costumes.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issued the warning following a 2024 investigation by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which found that more than 80 per cent of children’s costumes tested did not meet basic safety standards.
OPSS tested 128 costumes, most of which were purchased from online marketplaces.
The investigation uncovered multiple safety issues, including flammability risks, strangulation hazards and missing safety labels.
Of the costumes tested, 28 failed flammability checks, while 59 featured cords or drawstrings that could pose a strangulation risk. Ninety-eight lacked essential labelling, making it difficult for parents to assess product safety.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “These results are deeply concerning. Parents need to be vigilant and check for safety markings before buying. A UKCA or CE mark means the costume has passed critical safety tests, including for fire resistance.”
Graham Russell, Chief Executive at the Office for Product Safety and Standards, said: “Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests showed many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.”
RoSPA is advising parents to only buy costumes from trusted retailers and to check for UKCA or CE markings before purchase.
Families are also being reminded to follow basic safety advice:
- Avoid open flames such as candles and fireplaces.
- Supervise children while trick-or-treating.
- Make costumes visible with reflective strips or torches.
- Avoid homemade costumes, which may not meet fire safety standards.
- Check the OPSS website for product recalls.
RoSPA said it continues to work with government and industry to improve costume safety and raise awareness among consumers.
[Image: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk]
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