Product safety reportOPSS
DIY Metal Neodymium Magic 5mm Magnet Magnetic Balls Blocks Cube Construction safety warning over a choking risk
Product Safety Report for a magnetic balls toy presenting a medium risk of choking and injuries.
Take it away from young children now.
What to do now
Small parts of DIY Metal Neodymium Magic 5mm Magnet Magnetic Balls Blocks Cube could come loose and choke a young child.
- Take it away from young children now.
- Look for loose pieces where it was used.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.
Why it matters. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- coughing, gagging or noisy breathing after playing with it
Get help urgently
- a child who cannot breathe, cough or cry — call 999 and follow the call handler’s instructions
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2109-0253). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for a magnetic balls toy presenting a medium risk of choking and injuries.
The risk
The product presents a risk of choking as the magnetic spheres fit entirely within the small parts cylinder. The product also presents a risk of injuries as the magnetic spheres were tested and found to have a magnetic flux index of 222 kG2mm², greater than the limit of 50 kG2mm². If two or more magnets were swallowed, there is a risk that the magnets become drawn to each other in the digestive system, which could cause serious injury or death if medical attention is not sought immediately.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Action taken
Removal of the listing from the online marketplace (AliExpress).
Advice to consumers
We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from, to request redress.
Product has been removed by the online marketplace (AliExpress).
Additional information
PSD case number: 2109-0253
Notified by: Office for Product Safety and Standards
Product description
Colourful magnetic building block spheres
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has DIY Metal Neodymium Magic 5mm Magnet Magnetic Balls Blocks Cube been reported?
Small parts of DIY Metal Neodymium Magic 5mm Magnet Magnetic Balls Blocks Cube could come loose and choke a young child. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Take it away from young children now. Look for loose pieces where it was used.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
Where was DIY Metal Neodymium Magic 5mm Magnet Magnetic Balls Blocks Cube sold?
The notice names AliExpress. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
