High level of lead in toys

A Ministry of Consumer Affairs investigation found high levels of lead in children's toys.

As part of a regular targeted testing and surveillance programme the Ministry of Consumer Affairs screened toys and children’s cosmetics in retail stores for lead and other heavy metals. Under a mandatory standard, children’s toys must not contain more than 90 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of lead at a migratable level. Toys containing more than 90 mg are banned under an Unsafe Goods Notice, which is enforced by the Commerce Commission via the Fair Trading Act.

The Commerce Commission is investigating a number of toys sold in bargain variety stores which were detected as having excessively high levels of lead.

Read the Commerce Commission’s media release.

Tips on choosing safe toys

The Ministry has tested for the things you can’t see. But to make sure your child is safe you need to check the toys are suitable for the age of your child. Look out for the 5 Ss – surface, strings, size, supervision, sound.

Find out how to choose and use toys suitable for your child’s age.