Battery shock: almost three in four toys bought online fail safety checks

Choice tested 24 toys containing button batteries from Shein, AliExpress, eBay and Amazon and found that 17 had serious safety failures.

Two toys from Amazon and five from Kogan passed safety testing, the consumer advocacy group said.

Choice Director of Campaigns Rosie Thomas underscored the grave importance of button battery safety.

"Button batteries can cause catastrophic injuries within hours if swallowed, so it is highly concerning to see products like this continue to be sold," she said.

Ms Thomas said the products that failed the safety test had multiple issues, including batteries that could be accessed without a tool.

Toys were also missing safety alerts or warning statements, and had screws that did not remain with the battery compartment cover when it was opened.

"When we contacted the retailers, AliExpress rejected our findings as unsubstantiated, and Shein didn't respond to our attempts at contact," Ms Thomas said.

"While Amazon and eBay removed the dangerous items shortly after we alerted them, they never should have been allowed to be sold in the first place," she said.

"If Choice hadn't tested them, it's likely they would still be available for purchase."

Shein said, in response to Choice's report, that it "takes product safety very seriously and is committed to offering safe and reliable products to its customers".

"Upon learning of any claims of non-compliance, Shein immediately removes the items from its site as a precaution while the company investigates," a spokesperson for the company said.

Mandatory button battery safety standards came into effect in 2022, but Choice said these requirements don't apply to online marketplaces selling other businesses' products.

"Time and time again we see online marketplaces failing to ensure the products they sell are safe and compliant with the relevant safety standards - this is simply not good enough," Ms Thomas said.

"The marketplaces profit from selling products in Australia but face no clear legal obligation to ensure they are safe," she said.

"We urgently need stronger product safety laws to make it illegal for all companies, including online marketplaces, to sell unsafe products."

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If swallowed, button batteries may get stuck in the digestive system, causing internal bleeding.

SA Health said around 20 children presented to a hospital each week in Australia with suspected button battery ingestion or insertion.

One child a month had serious injuries often requiring multiple surgeries with some experiencing lifelong consequences, the health agency said.

A writing pad, toy watch, video game and plastic piece bought from AliExpress failed safety testing, Choice said.

Two toys bought from Amazon passed safety tests, however rubber bath toys, plastic bendy tubes and a keychain did not.

A fidget spinner, gloves, toy torch, mouthguard and shoes bought from eBay failed to meet safety standards, Choice said.

Choice's testing found that Shein's slatted glasses, jelly rings with five designs, a satin scrunchie, a spin top with launcher and a keyboard button keychain failed to meet safety standards.

Choice's test results have been reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the online marketplaces.

This article was updated on November 20 to include a statement from Shein.