Eight in 10 children’s Halloween costumes sold online are dangerous – and can even be fatal – a shocking government report has found.
The outfits failed basic safety tests because they were made of flammable materials or contained hazards such as cords and drawstrings that could cause strangulation.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has tested 128 costumes intended for children under the age of seven and has issued a stark warning to parents ahead of Halloween.
The watchdog bought costumes from several online marketplaces and found many lacked proper labelling, with 98 failing to provide safety information.
Labelling, which includes clear instructions and safety information, is crucial to ensure parents are aware of potential dangers, they warn.
Adrian Simpson of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said BBC Radio Five Live Friday that he was “shocked” at how unsafe some products were.
“There are many responsible retailers who work hard to make safe products,” he added.
“So it comes as a big surprise to us that there is such a high level of unsafe Halloween costumes.
More than 80 percent of costumes sold online failed basic safety tests, including for flammability and strangulation by cords
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) tested 128 products aimed at children under the age of seven
He explained that concerned parents should look for a UKCA or CE mark on the label of each costume.
These markings represent the manufacturer’s declaration that the product complies with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Each product should also have a fire safety warning and provide details of the manufacturer in case you need to contact them.
The OPSS has taken action to remove all non-compliant costumes from sale on online platforms.
However, they still urge the public to only purchase costumes from reputable sources this Halloween and to exercise caution when near fire, especially open flames.
Parents are also advised to check for long head and neck cords or cords and other strangulation hazards.
OPSS chief executive Graham Russell said: ‘Fancy dress can be a fun part of Halloween, but our testing shows that many costumes for sale, especially those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before purchasing.’
In 2021, the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the United Kingdom tested the flammability of Halloween-themed T-shirts, capes and witch hats for children.
OPSS advises parents to check the label of Halloween costumes and look for a UKCA or CE certification mark to ensure it has been tested and is safe for children to wear
A video posted by the department shows two child-sized mannequins wearing pumpkin and monster Halloween-themed t-shirts, which quickly catch fire, leaving the mannequins blackened and burned.
In the video, Ian Smith, Trading Standards Supervisor, advises parents: ‘Remember to check wigs and masks and if you are making a costume, check the material you are using.
‘Have children wear clothing under their costume for extra protection if the worst happens.’
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which are commonly used in costume production, are highly flammable and can ignite quickly if exposed to an open flame or heat source.
However, safety experts say natural fibers such as cotton and wool are less likely to catch fire compared to synthetic fibers.
The dangers of Halloween costumes made headlines in 2014 when the daughter of Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered second-degree burns to her legs.
Winkleman’s daughter, Matilda, aged eight at the time, suffered severe burns after her Halloween costume hit an open flame while trick-or-treating and quickly ignited it.