Be aware of hazardous substances in children's products sold online

By Han Jun-gu Posted : May 28, 2026, 14:00 Updated : May 28, 2026, 15:26
A city official shows a raincoat containing hazardous materials at a press event in Seoul on May 28, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu

SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - A slew of children's products purchased online from overseas websites have been found to pose safety concerns, according to a recent inspection.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government inspected some 32 children's products including umbrellas, raincoats, clothing, and toys purchased from overseas online platforms such as AliExpress, Temu, and Shein, and found that 10 of them failed to meet safety guidelines set by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Many were found to contain hazardous substances including lead, phthalate plasticizers, and nonylphenol, with some exceeding permitted limits by as much as 5.8 times.

Safety hazards such as sharp edges and loosely attached umbrella ribs were also identified, prompting the city government to request that the platforms suspend sales of the affected products.

The city government plans to conduct another round of inspections next month, along with follow-up measures.
 
Products with safety concerns are displayed at a press event in Seoul on May 28, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
Products with safety concerns are displayed at a press event in Seoul on May 28, 2026.
 
A city official shows an umbrella with safety concerns at a press event in Seoul on May 28, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
 
Products with safety concerns are displayed at a press event in Seoul on May 28, 2026.

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