Enterprise Singapore cautions consumers on safety issues with magnetic toys for children

02 SEP 2019

Enterprise Singapore cautions consumers on safety issues with magnetic toys for children

MR No.: 047/19
Singapore, Monday, 2 September 2019

1. Enterprise Singapore consumers on safety issues for two types of magnetic toys1 – (i) magnetic building block sets and (ii) magnetic balls (commonly known as “Buckyballs”). As the regulatory agency for product safety of general consumer goods, we conducted a surveillance comprising ten samples of the magnetic toys, which concluded last month. All were found to be unsafe, where the mechanical properties did not comply with the safety requirements by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), ISO 8124-1. (Refer to listing of the ten samples in Annex 1)

2. A key concern of these toys is that it may contain high-powered magnets, and can cause harm if several are ingested by children. The tiny magnets can attract each other through the intestines, and potentially result in injuries such as perforation, scarring or infection. In serious incidents - where a 4-year-old child in the United States swallowed 13 magnets after a magnetic building block toy broke open, and a 14-month-old boy in China swallowed 21 magnetic balls2 - surgeries were required.

3. Other safety issues to look out for in the magnetic toys include:

  • Small parts, which can be ingested by young children, especially those under the age of 6, if played without supervision;
  • Age specification on the product or packaging. The Buckyballs tested were marketed as toys for children, when they are intended for use by adults as a desk toy for relieving stress;
  • Suffocation to young children posed by plastic bags3 as some of the toy components are stored in them;
  • Other safety matters such as piercing hazard from protruding parts, or finger entrapment due to improper toy design.

4. The suppliers of the magnetic toys tested have since removed the toys for sale following the notices issued by Enterprise Singapore to do so. We urge consumers who have bought the models listed in Annex 1 as toys for children to stop using them immediately. Consumers who may have bought similar magnetic toys should also note the above safety issues.

5. Consumers, especially parents with young children, can observe the safety tips below when purchasing toys:

  • Buy from reputable brands and sellers;
  • Check the age recommendations and instructions on the toy labels;
  • Check if a safety alert has been issued. Visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/consumer-protection or other international sites such as US Safer Products at www.saferproducts.gov;
  • Supervise your child when they are playing with magnetic toys and ensure that your child does not ingest the toy;
  • Inspect toys for any broken or unsafe parts;
  • Seek medical attention immediately should your child feel unwell during or after play;
  • After play, store the magnetic toy out of your child’s sight and reach.

6. Under the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations (CGSR), suppliers and manufacturers of all toys have to meet applicable international safety standards such as ISO 8124, EN 71 and ASTM F963. These standards cover the safety aspect of toys such as mechanical hazards and toxicity from hazardous chemicals. Any person who fails to comply with Enterprise Singapore’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.

7. Consumers also play an important part in making sure that the goods they buy are safe. Consumers can report product safety issues to us at 1800 773 3163 or consumerprotection@enterprisesg.gov.sg. For consumer safety tips, visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/safety-tips.

Annex 1: Listing of the magnetic toys tested

1Magnetic toys are commonly sold online and marketed as educational toys, consisting different shapes and sizes that attract each other when put together, allowing for constructive play. The toys are said to help children exercise their creativity, develop motor skills and coordination.

2In the United States last year, a 4-year-old child swallowed 13 magnets after a magnetic building block toy broke open. After he started vomiting, he was rushed to a hospital where doctors removed part of his colon, intestine and appendix to extract the magnets. In China last year, a 14-month-old boy swallowed 21 magnetic balls. He had to undergo emergency surgery to remove the balls from his stomach, which had formed a ring while inside his stomach.

3Small and thin plastic bags could get moulded to a child’s face and cause suffocation. The standard specifies requirements for such plastic bags, where there must be holes of certain sizes throughout the plastic bag to allow airflow through the plastic bags.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Fazilah Latif
Business Partner
Corporate Communications
T : + 65 6279 3751
E : fazilah_latif@enterprisesg.gov.sg