Magnetic toys to carry warnings
1 May 2008
Magnetic toys must display a warning from 21 July next about potential health and safety risks, following a decision taken by the European Commission. All toys containing magnets must carry a warning with the following wording:
"Warning. This toy contains magnets or magnetic components. Magnets sticking together or becoming attached to a metallic object inside the human body can cause serious or fatal injury. Seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed or inhaled."
Alternatively, an equivalent that clearly conveys the same content and is easily understandable must be carried. The warning must be clearly visible and legible. It must be conspicuously displayed at the point of purchase, on the packaging or attached to the magnetic toy.
All EU member states are required to ensure that from 21 July 2008 onwards:
- Magnetic toys which do not display the required warning, are prohibited from being placed or made available on the market
- Magnetic toys on the market which do not display the required warning are withdrawn and consumers are adequately informed of the risk
The National Consumer Agency has responsibility for implementing the Commission's decision in Ireland. The Customs Authorities are cooperating with the NCA in implementing the decision. The NCA is empowered to issue a direction to any operator found not to be complying with the Commission decision. Any person who fails to comply with such a direction may be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 and/or imprisonment for three months.
The European Commission Decision 2008/329/EC was made under Article 13 of Directive 2001/95/EC General Product Safety Directive. It was published in the Official Journal on 26 April 2008- L114/90.
Read full text of the Commission's decision