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Online stores in China often deliver exactly what the price tag promises: poor quality, cheap products. At least that’s the conclusion of last month’s Blick test orders. Now another test is showing alarming health results: The Swiss Toy Society (SVS) had the SQTS testing laboratory at Dietikon ZH examine 18 of the most popular toys on the Temu and Shein shopping apps. 15 products failed!
The stuffed fox from Temu was particularly critical. Due to its features, it is also suitable for children under 36 months. However, it does not meet the necessary general safety requirements of EN 71-1 (toy standard): even with a slight pull, the eye comes out. “Due to its size, this eye is a small part that can be swallowed by small children and therefore pose a choking hazard,” the test report states. Even with a slight tug, a few stitches popped. Young children may swallow the filling.
Too many toxic heavy metals
Temu’s pendant necklace (unicorn heart) and Temu’s smiley finger rings contained very high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that remains in the body for a long time. Further distribution of cadmium should be avoided due to the already high baseline exposure in daily life.
For this reason, metal parts of jewelry that come into contact with the skin for a long time should not contain more than 0.01 percent cadmium. The necklace contained 17.83 percent cadmium and the finger ring contained 41.46 percent!
Temu’s 3D stickers contained plasticizers (phthalates) with an increased DEHP content of 1.7 percent. «The material examined does not meet the tested requirements of the VSS Toy Directive. In the test report, it is stated that “Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate was detected above the limit value and dibutyl phthalate was detected within the 0.1 percent limit value.”
Is there a legal loophole in Switzerland?
Missing or incorrect labeling regulations or inadequately secured battery compartments have also led to negative test results. A recall had to be issued for the Princess Play makeup set from Temu due to lack of information regarding the minimum shelf life and composition. A total of 6 out of 15 products had to be recalled, according to the testing laboratory. I wish there had been an investigation.
But toys ordered directly from online retailers in China are exempt from such checking. So-called private direct imports of non-compliant goods are not controlled by cantonal sanctions. Unlike the EU, such products are legal in Switzerland. And this despite the fact that toys are among the most tightly regulated products in Swiss retail.
The Swiss Toy Association has already called on the federal government to take action on several occasions. However, no regulations have been made so far.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
