NSW authorities have managed to seize hundreds of potentially deadly children’s toys in warehouse raids targeting importers of dodgy products ahead of Christmas.

The raids were conducted by Fair Trading NSW as part of their “Operation Safe Toy”, targeting warehouses and seizing any children’s toys that do not meet safety standards.

Parents and grandparents were warned to be wary of these unsafe toys, which can often be difficult to spot, especially when purchased online.


“These toys have little parts that can cause obstructions,” said Karin Ellis, the spokeswoman for Fair Trading.

“Children can then die if they don’t receive immediate medical attention. A child can just flip open the battery compartment of a toy and swallow the little battery.”

Fair Trading issued a statement on Thursday noting that out of the 388 complaints they received, 72 per cent of those involved toys that were bought online.

“When shopping for Christmas toys and gifts online this year, purchasers need to take a minute to think about whether or not this toy could pose a hazard to their little ones,” said Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson.

“Each year we see a range of toys that are dangerous or inappropriate, from things that can shoot, choke, cut or burn, there are many toys out there that should not make their way into the hands of a child,” he added.

“The NSW government is working to ensure these toys never reach the market, and if they do, it is important that consumers are educated enough not to give them to kids where they could become lethal.”

Some of the toys confiscated this year include the following:

• A penguin cigarette lighter
• Toy guns and other toys with choking hazard projectiles or easily removable small parts
• Sponge toys with extendable string pieces that are strangling hazards
• Magnet toys with choking hazard small magnet balls
• A “crown hat” decoration with flammable plastic leaves
• Battery operated toys with easily openable battery cavities, giving children easy access to choking hazard batteries
• A battery-operated toy duck that lays choking hazard plastic eggs
• Small “pen” batteries that are a choking hazard

According to Fair Trading, consumers who have unknowingly bought an unsafe toy are entitled to a refund. They are also able to report the business for irresponsible selling.

Mr Anderson said NSW government inspectors routinely visit businesses to check product safety.

Australian Consumer Law also states that retailers caught selling hazardous toys can be fined up to $500,000, and corporations may face fines of up to $10 million.

“Earlier this year, we issued a fine after inspectors found choking hazards and flammable pyjamas at a toy shop in Cabramatta. We also seized and destroyed the dangerous stock,” reported Mr Anderson.

“To everyone out there shopping for toys, have a very Merry Christmas but do take a minute to consider the toys you are buying and let’s keep our kids safe.”

The ‘Five S’ toy safety checklist:

1. Size – the smaller the child, the bigger the toy should be (anything smaller than a 20-cent piece or ping pong ball is too small for a child under three)
2. Shape – be wary of products that, because of their shape, might be easily swallowed or have sharp edges or points
3. Surface – make sure all finishes are non-toxic (this should be stated on the packaging)
4. Strings – anything over 30cm is a strangulation hazard for a small child and should be removed
5. Supervision – nothing replaces close supervision

Be careful when shopping for your grandkids, everyone! Be wary of toys being sold online, and always remember to check for harmful content.
If problems arise, you can lodge a complaint with Fair Trading. Learn more about it here.