24 thousand dangerous toys found in Ukraine – what endangers children
5 December 12:32
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has released alarming statistics: since the beginning of 2025, 55 types of dangerous non-food products have been found in Ukraine, including 28 children’s toys. In total, the market is flooded with more than 24,000 toys that do not meet safety standards and pose a real threat to children’s health. This was reported by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
This issue becomes especially relevant during the pre-holiday shopping season.
Why are the most dangerous toys being found right now?
Before the New Year, the demand for gifts and toys increases dramatically. This is used by unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers who bring cheap, fake or uncertified products to the market.
“It is important to be attentive to the safety of toys, because low-quality products can pose risks to children’s health,” the State Service of Ukraine for FoodSafety and Consumer Protection emphasizes.
It is during this period that inspectors are actively conducting inspections.
How many dangerous products were found
According to official data from the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection:
- We conducted 70 scheduled and 85 unscheduled inspections.
- We found 55 types of dangerous goods,
- Among them, 28 types are children’s toys.
- In total, more than 24,000 dangerous toys were withdrawn from circulation.
We are talking not only about cheap fakes, but also about products that look good, but have not passed laboratory tests.
What risks can low-quality toys pose?
Laboratory tests have shown that some toys can be not just dangerous, but actually harmful to health. The risks include
- allergic reactions due to toxic dyes or plastic;
- acute and chronic toxic effects due to excessive chemicals;
- toxic poisoning due to materials that emit volatile organic compounds;
- dangerous designs – poorly fixed parts, sharp elements, small parts that can get into the respiratory tract;
- dangerous noise levels in electronic toys;
- unprotected battery compartments that can be opened by children.
All of this poses a serious threat to children aged 0 to 6, who often put objects in their mouths and can get hurt.
How to protect yourself when buying toys: tips from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection
To avoid dangerous products, experts advise:
1. Check the labeling
- must be in Ukrainian;
- the manufacturer/importer must be indicated;
- the presence of a mark of compliance with technical regulations (CE or Ukrainian equivalent).
2. Evaluate the smell and appearance
- absence of a pungent chemical odor;
- firm fastening of parts;
- absence of sharp elements.
3. Do not buy at spontaneous markets
Such sellers do not have documents and often sell illegal products.
4. Avoid toys with small parts for kids
Especially if the child is under 3 years old.
5. Check the battery compartment
It should be screwed shut so that a child cannot reach the batteries.
6. Make sure the sound level is safe
Some musical toys exceed noise limits.
Do a preliminary check of the products on the “Attention” portal, where data on dangerous and withdrawn from circulation products is published.
What it means for parents
The number of dangerous toys is huge. And only a small part of them are tested in laboratories. Therefore, the responsibility for making a safe choice lies largely with parents.
The right purchases are not only about the quality of the gift, but also about the health and safety of the child.
