Toot Toot Toys - Copy Merchandise & Toy Safety

It has recently come to our attention that there are copy products of Thomas the Tank Engine in the Australian market. We have only seen Thomas wooden railway that has been copied to date.

Whilst some people might not be concerned about this, as they may think " great - I will get the copy items cheaper", it is a great safety concern to us at Toot Toot, particularly as a parent.

The first "copy" train I came across was a rare engine, unpackaged. Intially, I did not realise how bad it was, however on closer inspection. The engine name was stamped upside down on it. The magnets on it looked like they were tacked on, crooked and flat in shape (not curved like the real engines). It had gaps in the timber where it had been put together. The wheels had no imprint on them.

On reflection, it was such a poor copy, most people would soon realise it was a copy and then throw it out.

A customer who is a keen collector then sent me some photos of others. They do come in packaging, but not proper Learning Curve packaging.

Unfortunately, people who make these copy engines with no regard to the law, probably have no idea, or inclination to comply with Australian Safety Standards.

Who would know if there was high lead levels in their paint? Magnets (which could be a choking hazard), not safely affixed. Wheels likely to come off? After all, once they have sold the product, they have their money with no responsibility for the welfare of the children who ultimately might play with them...

Cynics may think our concern is related to selling the licenced product, and ensuring the licencees are supported, and whilst , they (the toy manufacturers) do pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for the right to produce these toys, that is not our major concern.

We sell many toys, licenced and unlicenced, its the quality that we look at. My previous work history is in safety and risk management, one role involving product liablity, so the effects of poorly made toys are very real to me as they are to the parents and family of injured children. The effect of one lapse in judgement in buying a poor quality toy can affect you for the rest of your life...

Please be vigilant in keeping the Australian market safe from poor quality toys (whatever the theme/item), and report concerns to the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission).

Here is an article from the NSW Dept of Fair trading concerning a recent incident. (June 2011)

Urgent product safety warning on magnets in toys

Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is asking the media and the public to help get an urgent warning out about the potentially fatal dangers of magnets in toys, after a 3-year old Central Coast child this month suffered a serious throat injury.

Mr Roberts said the injury happened after the child swallowed small magnets from a 'NeoCube' toy.

“The child swallowed four magnets and was operated on at the Sydney Children's Hospital to remove the magnets and is being treated for perforation of her oesophagus,” he said.

The toy in question had no warning label and was purchased on eBay from China, which is not subject to Australian labelling requirements. The toy is not available in stores in NSW.

“Be very careful when buying toys online,” the Minister said.

All toys sold in NSW for children aged under 3 years must undergo rigorous product safety testing to prove they comply with relevant Australian safety standards. Toys suitable for children under the age of 14, containing one or more hazardous magnets or magnetic components, are required to have a warning statement on the toy's packaging and instructions.

Mr Roberts said the law for toys containing magnets was initially introduced by NSW Fair Trading in March 2010 and is now a national requirement.

“Many children have suffered serious infections and internal injuries such as perforations and obstructions of the bowel after swallowing more than one magnet,” he said.

“Whether you are a retailer, distributor, or importer, you are responsible for ensuring toys containing magnets comply with this regulation.”

Mr Roberts said a new national product safety law, in effect since 1 January 2011, provided consistent protection from unsafe products.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, governments can regulate children's toy safety by issuing safety warning notices, banning products permanently or temporarily, imposing mandatory safety standards, or issuing compulsory recall notices.

Penalties apply for breaches of product safety laws. Companies can be fined up to $1,110,000 for failing to meet safety standards, while individuals face fines of up to $220,000.

For more information about product safety go to the Fair Trading website - magnets in toys or call 13 32 20.