As the holiday season approaches, gift-giving excitement can sometimes overshadow the critical importance of safety, especially when it comes to toys for children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a stark reminder about the risks associated with certain toys on the market. In the release of its Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report on November 19, 2024, the CPSC stated that, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency has made significant strides in protecting consumers, with nearly 1.6 million dangerous or illegal toys seized in fiscal year 2024 alone. Notably, approximately 101,900 of these seized toys contained dangerous levels of lead, a toxic substance that can pose serious health risks to young children.

The report demonstrated that the majority of toy-related deaths were linked to choking on small balls or crayons, drownings associated with floatation toys, entrapment inside a toy chest, and ingestion of water beads. Non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries across all groups and were involved in more than 20 percent of toy-related injuries.

As we head into the holiday shopping season, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about the safety of products purchased both in stores and online. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your child’s gifts are safe and free from hazards.

The Dangerous Toys Seized in 2024: What You Need to Know

The CPSC’s collaboration with CBP aims to prevent dangerous products from entering the U.S. market, and the number of toys seized in 2024 highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping unsafe toys out of children’s hands.

Toys with excessive lead content are particularly concerning, as lead exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. In addition to lead, other dangerous toys seized in 2024 included items with choking hazards, small parts that could easily detach, and toys with sharp edges that could cause injury. These toys often make their way into the market through online sales, including platforms that connect buyers directly with sellers, making it harder for regulators to track and prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.

Online Shopping: A Hidden Risk for Unsafe Toys

One of the most significant concerns about toy safety today is the prevalence of online shopping. While the internet has made holiday shopping more convenient, it has also created a more complex marketplace where dangerous products, including toys, can easily slip through the cracks. Online platforms may not always adhere to the same stringent safety standards as traditional retailers, and counterfeit or substandard products can be sold under the guise of well-known brands. Online platforms often disclaim responsibility for third-party sellers on their site, which provides a huge opportunity for bad faith actors to evade oversight.

CFA has been calling attention to the product safety risks associated with the dramatic increase of e-commerce. E-commerce is now central to how many American consumers interact with consumer products. For this reason, the CPSC’s eSAFE Team screened more than 3 million listings on websites and requested nearly 60,000 Internet site takedowns, resulting in removal of more than 57,000 listings for recalled or violative products during Fiscal Year 2023. Further, purchases valued under $800 can be imported into the U.S. and sent directly to consumers with very little information for authorities to interdict dangerous or violative products. CPSC has stretched its budget for traditional port surveillance to expand inspections, and there are notable examples of this imperative work at our ports.

The CPSC’s Role in Toy Safety

The CPSC plays an essential role in ensuring that toys sold in the U.S. meet safety standards. Their efforts to seize and destroy unsafe toys—such as those containing lead—are critical in protecting children from harm. However, the CPSC’s job is made even harder by the global nature of e-commerce, where toys are sold directly to consumers without the oversight of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Despite these challenges, the CPSC is working hard to combat unsafe products and to provide consumers with the tools they need to make informed decisions. As part of their ongoing efforts, the CPSC regularly updates its list of recalled toys and offers guidance to help consumers recognize unsafe items.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Family

The key takeaway from the CPSC’s recent warning is that, while the agency works to remove unsafe toys from the market, our vigilance is crucial in making sure we don’t inadvertently purchase dangerous items, especially when shopping online.

Here are some tips to help you shop smart this holiday season:

1. Be critical. A deal that seems too good to be true may be just that: too good to be true. Toys sold for a fraction of the price, especially from unknown sellers, may indicate a substandard product.
2. Check for recalls. Before purchasing, verify if a toy has been subject to a recall or product safety warning.
3. Buy from trusted sellers. Even on well-known online platforms, you may not know who you are buying from. Stick to well-known, reputable sellers. If you’re unfamiliar with a seller, be cautious and do your research.
4. Check for safety information. Look for safety labels indicating that the toy meets the U.S. safety standards for materials, design, and testing.
5. Read reviews and ratings. While reviews can be helpful, remember that some online sellers may post fake reviews. Look for independent review sites or forums to get an honest picture of a toy’s quality and safety.
6. Inspect the toy upon arrival. Once you receive a toy, inspect it carefully for any obvious defects. Be particularly aware of small parts that could present a choking hazard, loose components, or toys that don’t seem age appropriate.
7. Look for age recommendations. Make sure the toy is suitable for the child’s age. Toys with small parts or sharp edges may be hazardous for younger children.

For more information on toy recalls and safety guidelines, visit the CPSC’s official website at www.cpsc.gov

Happy shopping and stay safe!