Action retailer details safety testing for plush toys

The discount retailer Action has detailed its rigorous testing procedures for plush toys and teddy bears to ensure consumer safety. The company focuses heavily on products intended for children under three years old, who are at higher risk of ingesting small parts or encountering sharp edges.

Testing involves pulling, stretching, and laboratory analysis to check for physical and chemical safety. This multi-stage process includes random samples taken by independent third parties and sent to accredited laboratories. The goal is to ensure that components like button eyes or fur do not detach, which could pose a choking hazard, and that no dangerous chemicals are present in the fabric.

In the broader context, the German market for dolls and plush toys reached approximately 0.7 billion euros in 2024, while the total German toy market was valued at 4.4 billion euros. Globally, the market for stuffed animals was estimated at 13.89 billion US dollars in 2025.