Trading Standards has issued a warning after finding that 90% of children's Halloween costumes sold online do not comply with UK law. An investigation by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) uncovered "alarming levels" of non-compliance among children's Halloween costumes sold by third-party sellers online.
Investigation findings
The tests found that 91% of Halloween costumes failed to meet UK legal requirements, with issues ranging from missing safety warnings to costumes that pose a potential strangulation risk. CTSI randomly purchased 11 children's Halloween costumes from third-party sellers operating through major online marketplaces. Of those, 10 costumes were found to be non-compliant with UK product safety requirements.
Some of the costumes did not include the correct safety information, which means parents aren't aware of hidden risks so can't take necessary precautions. Tests carried out in partnership with London Fire Brigade also demonstrated how quickly the costumes can ignite when exposed to a naked flame. They replicated common Halloween scenarios involving flames that could be found in candles used to light pumpkins, and a video shows one costume in flames.
Safety standards and markings
The CTSI says children's fancy-dress costumes are classed as toys and therefore should meet flammability standards to protect from a fire risk. Compliant costumes should carry a UKCA or CE marking on the packaging, along with the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer so that the seller can be traced if something goes wrong. Some costumes must also include the warning 'keep away from fire'.
In 2014, Traitor's presenter Claudia Winkleman's daughter, who was eight at the time, suffered serious burns. The Halloween witch costume she was wearing had caught fire when it brushed against a candle while out trick-or-treating.
Advice for parents
The CTSI is now advising shoppers to check that children's costumes carry a UKCA or CE mark, confirming they meet safety standards. It's also important to avoid unlabelled items and to keep costumes away from naked flames at all times. Parents are also encouraged to buy only from reputable retailers when shopping online for Halloween outfits and accessories.
CTSI Lead Officer for Product Safety, Lewis Collantine, said: "The findings are disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising. For several years, major online marketplaces have continued to be a source of unsafe toys and Halloween costumes entering the UK market."
"Beyond missing essential safety markings such as a CE and UKCA mark, and a lack of traceability information, there are also concerns that some of the costumes may not comply with British safety standards. Features including long ribbons, cords and flowing fabric could become caught during play, increasing the risk of injury to children. Parents and carers can help protect their families by purchasing Halloween costumes from recognisable brands and reputable retailers, particularly those that have signed up to the British Retail Consortium's voluntary flammability Code of Practice."
London Fire Brigade is also urging people to keep their Halloween costumes away from naked flames and heat sources. London Fire Brigade's Station commander and fire investigation officer Rob Hill said: "Fancy dress is a key part of Halloween and we want to ensure children are as safe as possible when they're out having fun. Fancy dress costumes are a real area of concern, if people don't follow basic safety advice. If your children have dressed up, keep them away from open flames and heat sources. If a costume catches fire, it can cause significant burns that might put your children's health at serious risk. It's important to ensure that the costume meets British or European safety standards."
