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On 26 September 2024,  the Consumer Product Safety Office (CPSO) published a circular to highlight the safety issues uncovered in three categories of products for toddlers and children, namely (i) baby bouncers; (ii) baby walkers; and (iii) toys.

Common hazards identified in these non-compliant products, include:

• Baby bouncers with small, detachable parts that can cause choking and/or stability issue that can lead to toppling.

• Baby walkers with non-compliant openings and crevices that can lead to entrapment and stability issue that can lead to toppling.

• Toys with small and easily removable parts or magnetic parts, which present risk of choking and strangulation.

Ensuring product safety for children

Consumers play an important part in ensuring the goods that they buy online are safe. Please refer to the following safety tips when purchasing children’s products online:

• Buy from official stores or reputable brands and sellers;

• Check online listings and product labels for age and safety instructions.

• Caregivers should use this information to determine product suitability for their child. If in doubt, do not purchase, allow use or play.

• Examine both positive and negative product reviews from other buyers to gauge the product’s quality and potential safety concerns;

• Contact the seller for more information if the product listing or label does not clearly explain its features, functionality, and safety instructions;

• Inspect the product once received for any broken or unsafe parts before use;

• Supervise your child when they are using or playing with the product.

Under the Consumer Goods Safety Requirements Regulations, suppliers and manufacturers of general consumer goods have to meet applicable international safety standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), European Committee for Standardisation (EN), and ASTM International. Any person who fails to comply with the CPSO’s directions to stop the sale of unsafe products, is liable upon

conviction, up to a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or to an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.

The CPSO also encourages consumers who encounter product safety issues to report