The General Directorate of Consumer Affairs of the Andalusian Government has initiated the actions of the Consumer Inspection Plan for 2025, and one of the first campaigns to be launched in all provinces, on the occasion of the carnival celebration, is the campaign to control the safety and labeling of costumes, masks, masquerade masks, and similar items intended to be used by children under 14 years of age, as such products are considered toys.
Consumer Affairs is focusing particularly on two specific contexts, such as the celebration of carnival and the festivity of Halloween, when a greater number of costumes, masks, and masquerade masks are marketed. According to the planned objectives, the Provincial Consumer Services will take samples for laboratory testing and analyze the labeling of 176 products.
According to the initial plan, the inspection activities will be carried out 50% in the days leading up to and during Carnival, and the remaining 50% will be done during Halloween.
In these inspection activities, aspects such as labeling, the presence of the CE marking, the safety of children’s clothing, specifically those with adjustable cords and strings, or whether safety warnings are included if the item is not intended for children under 36 months, will be reviewed.
Consumer Affairs reminds consumers who intend to purchase a costume, mask, or masquerade mask to always prioritize safety over price. For example, in the case of masks and masquerade masks, it is essential to ensure that they have enough ventilation holes to avoid any risk of suffocation.
Costumes should not contain small parts, sharp edges, sharp objects, or cords around the neck.
If makeup products are going to be used, it is important to check the expiration date and components to avoid potential allergies. In the case of decorative contact lenses, they should be purchased from qualified personnel and must have labeling in Spanish like the rest of the products.
Consumer Affairs emphasizes that consumers play an essential role in safeguarding the right to safety. Products can pose risks such as potential suffocation, eye or ear damage, burns, cuts, etc. If products with these risks are found, they should be reported to the authorities.
Consumers have the opportunity to report products they consider unsafe. To do so, it is essential that the complaint letter identifies the product by name and the establishment where it was found or provides the product if it has caused any harm. A photo of the product can also be provided. The authorities will review the product documentation and conduct the necessary laboratory tests and analyses to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
If the product’s dangerousness is confirmed, it is reported to the Consumer Product Alert Network, a rapid information exchange system connecting Consumer Affairs administrations at the regional, national, and European levels.
Products included in the Alert Network are removed from the market, and the authorities also immobilize the merchandise, prohibit or suspend the sale of the products, order the withdrawal of stocks from establishments, and take measures to recover those that have already been sold.
