Over 25,000 Unsafe Halloween Items Removed from Irish Market in Past Year

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has withdrawn more than 25,000 unsafe toys, costumes and props from Irish shops since Halloween 2024, as parents prepare for this year's celebrations.

The consumer watchdog is urging families across Cork and Ireland to check Halloween purchases carefully, warning that even items from trusted retailers can fail safety standards. The CCPC has issued a simple three-step safety check for all costume-related purchases.

Parents should first look for a CE mark and flame-resistant label on all costumes and accessories. Halloween items, including masks, are classified as toys and must carry a CE mark to show they meet recognised safety standards. Flame-resistant labels indicate the material is designed to resist ignition and stop burning quickly once a flame source is removed.

The second check involves examining products for small parts, particularly batteries. Items smaller than a €2 coin pose a choking hazard for children under three, whilst button batteries are especially dangerous. Parents should check whether battery packs can be easily opened and stop using products immediately if they can.

Finally, families should avoid costumes with fixed cords or strings around the head, neck or chest for children under seven, as these present a strangulation risk. Breakaway fastenings such as Velcro or snap fasteners are safer alternatives.

CCPC product safety officers inspect hundreds of products annually and work with European safety networks and Revenue Customs to intercept unsafe items before they reach consumers. The commission uses statutory powers to remove products that fail safety standards from shop shelves.

Gráinne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, said:

"This Halloween, we are reminding parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant and check their child's costumes and any other props or accessories by conducting our three-step costume check. Buying Halloween costumes and accessories from a reputable shop in Ireland gives you stronger consumer rights and makes it easier to get a refund if something goes wrong."

She added that parents should carefully check toys purchased in stores, online, from street traders, at pop-up stands and second-hand items. Even trusted stores can experience product recalls, making vigilance essential.

The CCPC maintains information on product recalls on its website and social media channels. Parents with safety concerns about Halloween costumes, props or accessories should stop using them immediately and contact the CCPC's national consumer helpline on 01 402 5555, as well as reporting the issue to the manufacturer or retailer.

Consumer reports are vital for alerting the commission to unsafe products and driving inspection and enforcement work across Ireland.