Magnets are a common feature in some toys. Magnets with a high magnetic strength and which are small enough to be swallowed are a hazard.

Any toy that includes a hazardous magnet or magnetic component must contain:

• a warning about the hazards
• an age grading for the product.

This must be prominent on the packaging and in the instruction booklet.

What are the hazards?

Any products with magnets small enough to swallow are a risk to children.

If your child swallows a magnet, they could:

• suffer a serious injury
• need emergency surgery
• be at risk of death.

If they swallow more than one magnet, the magnets can:

• lock together through the walls of the intestines
• infect, tear or obstruct your child’s insides.

Safety standards

The current toy safety standard for magnets applies to all toys that:

• are new
• are made for children under 14 to play with
• contain hazardous small magnets that are stored loose, attached to or fitted into toys.

When buying your child a magnetic toy, think about:

• the maker's age grading
• other children who might access the toys (such as younger siblings or friends).

Always store the toys out of reach of younger children.

Banned magnets

A permanent ban exists on the sale of small high-powered magnets.

This ban applies to magnets that:

• are smaller than a ping-pong ball or could fit inside a 35mm film canister
• have a magnetic flux of 50 or more
• are supplied in groups of 2 or more.

These magnets mustn’t be sold in:

• any toy, game or puzzle (including but not limited to an adult desk toy, an educational toy or game, a toy, game or puzzle for mental stimulation or stress relief)
• a construction or modelling kit
• jewellery to be worn in or around the mouth or nose.