NKFH: increased inspections begin to ensure the safety of carnival masks, costumes and wigs

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 12. 11:48

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With the carnival season approaching, the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH), in cooperation with government agencies, is launching a comprehensive market surveillance inspection to examine the safety of masks, costumes, wigs and other carnival accessories for children – the authority announced in its statement on Monday.

Based on the results of accredited laboratory inspections, dangerous products will be withdrawn from circulation in justified cases.

The primary purpose of the inspection is to examine the combustion properties of costumes intended for children, to identify unsafe products from circulation, and the detection and elimination of illegal distribution.

During carnival and other costume occasions, candles, tea lights or other open flames are often used to create the atmosphere, while costumes, masks and wigs are typically made of synthetic, man-made fiber materials – such as polyester. These can easily catch fire without appropriate flame retardant additives and can cause serious burns. In order to protect the physical integrity of children, it is essential that these products comply with EU and domestic safety regulations, the announcement explained.

During the previous comprehensive inspection of the product range, the objection rate was 56 percent, so the increased inspection is justified. The proportion of non-compliant products was particularly high in the case of wigs and costumes containing artificial hair, which necessitates the repetition of inspections, the NKFH highlighted.

This year, the inspection mainly covers costumes, masks, wigs, beards, mustaches, hoods and other head accessories intended for children under 14 years of age. Sampling is primarily carried out from online stores, but toy wholesalers, retailers and other stores that distribute the product range are also the locations of the inspection.

As they added, the NKFH’s goal is to ensure that children receive only safe costumes and masks that comply with the regulations. The authority may prohibit the distribution of unsuitable, particularly flammable products, recall the products and, if necessary, apply other sanctions.

The authority asks parents to pay special attention to the appropriate markings, the manufacturer’s and importer’s details when purchasing, and to avoid purchasing costumes of unknown origin, that are strikingly cheap and of poor quality.

Choose costumes made from natural materials – such as cotton or wool felt – which are less flammable and more comfortable to wear. In addition, in all cases, ensure that the child wearing the costume does not come close to an open flame or other heat source.

The safety of children is a shared responsibility: child protection is one of the key points of the 7-point consumer protection action plan announced last fall. The NKFH and government agencies can contribute to ensuring that the carnival holidays are truly carefree with inspections, distributors with law-abiding behavior, and parents with their conscious choices – wrote the NKFH.