Having taken the Internet and world in general by storm, the fidget spinner, which is essentially a small contraption that incorporates three discs held with a bearing that spins around in your hand, is currently very popular with children and adults alike.
Import of unsafe fidget spinners
Due to its popular demand in Germany, merchants have struggled to keep up with sales, as manufacturers claim that it aids kids in alleviating symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD or autism.
According to employees of the Central Customs Office, some of the LED lights in the spinners seized can be unhinged for small children to easily swallow. Parents have been warned of potential hazards posed by the toys, with the import shipments arriving from China.
Customs officials in Germany have seized 77,000 pounds of fidget spinners deemed unsafe for children’s use. It’s a move that many a teacher may have fantasized about in recent months while wresting one of the whirling, hand-held doodads from a child. A spokesperson from German customs administration said the confiscated toys had loose parts that could pose choking hazard and lacked instructions and other required information, according to the Associated Press.