Seoul safety inspections of children's toys

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has conducted safety inspections on various children’s products sold via overseas e-commerce platforms, identifying multiple items that fail to meet national safety standards.

In early August, inspections of 20 water-related products—including goggles, tubes, and swimwear—revealed hazardous levels of phthalate plasticizers, cadmium, and lead. Some phthalate levels were found to be up to 325 times the legal limit. The city also noted structural deficiencies, such as thin walls and broken buckles, that could present choking hazards.

Subsequent testing in late August expanded the scope to include tactile toys, party supplies, and stationery. Seven out of 20 products tested, including “wax balls” (clay toys coated in wax), failed safety checks. These items contained phthalates at levels up to 164.2 times the limit, along with excessive amounts of cadmium, formaldehyde, methanol, and boron. Physical hazards were also identified, such as keycap keychains with detachable batteries that pose swallowing risks.

In response to these findings, the city has requested that online platforms halt the sale of non-compliant goods and has issued notices to local elementary schools and toy districts to prevent accidental purchases.