With Halloween approaching, the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs of the Andalusian Regional Government reminds consumers and users that they should bear in mind a series of essential safety aspects when buying costumes, masks, masquerades and similar items.
These articles, used above all by young people, must comply with a series of information and safety requirements, and for this reason the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs is stepping up the regional campaign to inspect disguises, masks and masquerades at this time of year, just as it did around Carnival time. In total, at least 176 products are expected to be inspected throughout the year.
Special care should be taken if these items are intended for minors, and it is therefore essential to choose a costume that is suitable for their age.
The main thing to look out for is the label, which should be read carefully. This is the consumer’s first source of information, detailing the recommended age of the item, safety advice and the company responsible for the product.
It should be remembered that those products that are to be used by persons under 14 years of age and that are marketed in the European Union must bear the CE marking, as they are considered to be toys.
Instructions for use and safety warnings are essential information before purchasing or using a costume, mask, mask or related article. For example, in the case of masks, we must ensure that they have sufficient ventilation holes. Costumes for children should not contain small parts, sharp edges or cords in the neck area, to avoid possible choking or choking and cuts.
Product labelling is also essential if make-up is to be purchased and used. This label details the name of the product, details of the manufacturing or responsible company, expiry date or precautions, and should also include the list of ingredients, information that should be taken into account to avoid possible allergies. As for contact lenses, they must be purchased in establishments with qualified personnel and must be labelled in Spanish.
Consumers are also reminded that if they see or buy a product that could be considered unsafe, they should report it to the Consumer Affairs Administration, giving details of where it was purchased and, if possible, providing invoices and other evidence. The lack of information on the product label should alert consumers to pay attention to the existence on the label of the product name, brand, batch, reference, responsible company, place of manufacture or import.
As responsible consumers, if any accident happens when using a costume, we have the social commitment to report it to the Consumer Administration to avoid a repetition of the same.
Consumer Affairs Responds
If you have any doubts or queries about consumer affairs, citizens can contact Consumo Responde, a free information and advice service for consumers and users, promoted by the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Andalusian Regional Government. It is a multi-channel service, which can be accessed continuously through the telephone number 900 21 50 80, the website www.consumoresponde.es, the e-mail consumoresponde@juntadeandalucia.es; and the Twitter (@consumoresponde), Facebook (www.facebook.com/consumoresponde) and Instagram (@consumoresponde) profiles.
Advice can also be obtained at the Provincial Consumer Services of the territorial delegations of Health and Consumer Affairs in all provincial capitals, as well as at the Municipal Consumer Information Offices (OMIC), and at consumer and user organisations.
