Over 25,000 unsafe Halloween toys and costumes pulled from Irish market

As families prepare for Halloween, parents are being urged to check children’s costumes carefully after more than 25,000 unsafe toys, outfits and props were removed from the Irish market since last year.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says the recalled or withdrawn products failed to meet safety standards, and it is warning parents to take extra care when buying Halloween items in the coming weeks.

The CCPC is encouraging families to follow its “3-Step Safety Check” before buying or using costumes and accessories.

The first step is to look for a CE mark and a flame-resistant label. These markings show that a product meets recognised safety standards. Halloween costumes and masks are classed as toys, and all toys sold in Ireland must have a CE mark. If the costume does not have one, the CCPC advises not to buy it. Flame-resistant labels, while not fireproof, indicate the material is designed to resist ignition and stop burning quickly once a flame source is removed.

The second step is to check for small or loose parts, including batteries. Anything smaller than a two-euro coin could be a choking hazard for children under three, while button batteries are especially dangerous. Parents are advised to stop using any product where the battery pack can be easily opened and to always keep spare batteries out of children’s reach.

The third step is to avoid strings or cords on costumes for children under seven, as these can pose a strangulation risk. Breakaway fastenings such as Velcro or snap buttons are considered much safer alternatives.

Each year, CCPC safety officers inspect hundreds of Halloween products and work with toy sellers, customs officials and European safety networks to stop unsafe products from reaching Irish consumers. When products fail safety checks, the CCPC uses its legal powers to remove them from sale and prevent further risks to the public.

CCPC Director of Communications Gráinne Griffin said the message this Halloween is simple – check everything before your child wears or uses it.

“This Halloween, we are reminding parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant and check their child’s costumes and any other props or accessories by conducting our 3-step costume check,” she said.

“Buying Halloween costumes and accessories from a reputable shop in Ireland gives you stronger consumer rights and makes it easier to get a refund if something goes wrong. Carefully check toys you buy in store, online, from street traders, at pop-up stands and second-hand toys. Even trusted stores can experience product recalls, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

“Parents can find more information on recalls on our website or social media channels. If parents have a safety concern about a Halloween costume or prop, you should bring it to the attention of the business and report it to the CCPC. Reports from consumers are vital; they alert us to unsafe products and drive our inspections and enforcement work.”

Anyone concerned about the safety of a Halloween costume, prop or accessory is urged to stop using it immediately and contact the CCPC’s national consumer helpline on 01 402 5555. Concerns can also be reported directly to the manufacturer or retailer.