Spot unsafe costumes and dodgy decorations before they catch you out!

Whether you are purchasing a fancy dress costume, spooky lights or decorations online, it pays to shop safely. The UK International Consumer Centre (UKICC) shares essential advice to help you shop safely and confidently, whether you are buying locally or from abroad.

1. Spooky Costumes

Fancy dress costumes are the highlight of Halloween, however not all are created equal. Some cheap or unregulated costumes can be dangerously flammable or fail basic safety standards, especially when bought from online marketplaces or overseas sellers. Keep safe by:

✅Check labels: Look out for the CE or UKCA markings and safety information, this means the products meet the required safety standards. However make sure to identify whether the product has legitimate CE or UKCA markings, as some are known to be fake.

✅Stay clear of naked flames: "Flame-resistant" costumes may not be fireproof. Make sure to use battery-powered candles or LED lights instead of real ones.

2. Halloween Decorations

Twinkling pumpins, flashing ghosts and spooky sound effects can help make your home come alive at Halloween. However unsafe decorations can quickly turn fun into fright with cheap electrical products causing electric shocks, fires or injuries. Remember to:

✅ Check plugs and adapters: Electrical products from the UK should have the standard three-pin plug. Avoid electrical items that use two-pin plugs and loose adapters.

✅Inspect before use: Check for frayed wires, cracked bulbs or damaged cables. If you are in doubt - don't use.

✅Watch out for fakes: Counterfeit or unbranded items are more liekly to be unsafe or poor quality.

3. Shopping Online or Abroad

If you are buying from an EU-based website, you are still protected by EU consumer law.

✅You have the right to a refund, repair or replacement if goods are faulty or unsafe.

✅Pay by credit card or PayPal for extra protection.

✅Keep records of receipts and seller correspondence, in case you need to raise a complaint.

If you can't resolve a dispute with a European seller, contact the UKICC team for free advice and guidance at [email protected] or submit a complaint.