Customs in Hong Kong warns: Three baby clothing products pose a risk of injury and strangulation

Although the spokesman did not mention the names of the brands in the ministry's press release, he did show pictures of the products.

The agency said the products had been reported to it by third parties, prompting customs to conduct random checks in various districts and purchase some of the items to conduct laboratory tests.

“The test results showed that the cords in the upper chest area of ​​the three baby clothing models could strangle babies and pose a suffocation hazard,” the spokesman said.

“In addition, the cord ends on one of the models were too loose, which can cause the baby's fingers to get caught and restrict blood circulation.”

The department found that the cords on one of the products tested were too long, creating a risk of them becoming tangled in other objects and causing injury.

Formaldehyde levels that exceeded safety limits were also found in samples of the same product line, it said.

The spokesman added that about 1,600 items from two of the product lines were seized from three retailers and two wholesalers and importers in Tsuen Wan.

“The affected retailers, wholesalers and importers have been served with prohibition notices prohibiting the further sale of the three baby clothing models,” he said.

“In addition, customs officials have conducted inspections in several districts and have so far not been able to detect any sales of the three affected products.”

The department said the public can follow several safety tips when purchasing baby clothes.

Advice included paying attention to the construction of baby clothes to identify potential hazards, checking the length of drawstrings and choosing a size that is neither too tight nor too loose.

On the same day, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) warned the public against purchasing two models of portable cassette stoves that had not received written approval from the Gas Authority.

The import, sale and supply of such products to Hong Kong requires the approval of the authorities.

The stove models reported by the authority were the CB-TS-PLS and CB-WA-35F models, both from the Japanese manufacturer Iwatani, and they had been displayed and sold in a local online store.

“The EMSD is investigating the case and may initiate prosecution if there is evidence that the importer or supplier has violated the Gas Safety Regulations,” he said.

Anyone who contravenes the relevant sections of the Gas Safety (Miscellaneous) Ordinance relating to the import, sale or supply of gas appliances for domestic use will face a fine of HK$100,000 (US$12,800) and a prison sentence of 12 months on first conviction, he added.