▲ Imported goods piled up at customs (File Photo)
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has requested that Chinese direct-purchase e-commerce platforms halt the sale of children's sandals, toys, and hats after they failed to meet domestic safety standards.
Seoul city officials announced that they conducted safety inspections on 21 children's products sold on these platforms ahead of the summer season. The results showed that five products were unsuitable according to safety standards set by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Among the items tested, three types of children's sandals were found to be non-compliant.
Two of these products contained phthalate plasticizers in their main materials, decorations, and insoles at levels up to 284.6 times higher than the permitted limit.
Phthalate plasticizers are substances that can disrupt the endocrine system and affect reproductive health.
Another pair of shoes was found to contain eight small parts, which are prohibited in products intended for children under 36 months old.
Small parts pose a significant risk of swallowing and choking, requiring extra caution.
One bubble toy product was found to pose a risk of safety accidents, such as puncture injuries, during use based on drop test results.
A children's hat was also deemed unsuitable, as the pH level of its outer fabric was 8.2, falling outside the acceptable range of 4.0 to 7.5.
If the pH level of textile products deviates from the standard, becoming too acidic or too alkaline, it can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has requested that the relevant overseas online platforms stop selling the five non-compliant products.
Furthermore, the city advised citizens to carefully verify whether products purchased through overseas direct-purchase channels meet domestic safety standards.
Next month, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to conduct safety inspections on children's water play equipment, swimsuits, and swim caps sold on overseas online platforms.
The results of these safety inspections can be viewed on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website (seoul.go.kr) or the Seoul E-commerce Center website (ecc.seoul.go.kr).
For consumer damages or complaints related to overseas online platforms, citizens can contact the Seoul E-commerce Center hotline (02-2133-4896) or the Dasan Call Center (120).
(Photo courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)
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