### Parents Cautioned Over ‘Unsafe’ Children’s Sunglasses Sold Online
A recent investigation has prompted urgent warnings to parents about the dangers posed by children’s sunglasses purchased from popular online marketplaces, as a significant proportion were found to offer insufficient ultraviolet (UV) protection. The consumer rights organisation Which? conducted a study that revealed one in three sunglasses for children bought from platforms including Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and Temu did not meet safety requirements, raising concerns about the potential harm to young eyes.
The study involved the purchase and testing of 20 pairs of children’s sunglasses from various online retailers. Troublingly, two pairs were found to provide “dangerously low” levels of UV protection despite advertising claims stating they offered full shield against harmful rays. Disturbances in quality were also observed, with some sunglasses offering inconsistent protection between the two lenses, further undermining their safety credentials.
Among the models singled out for criticism were the Cute Cat Kids’ Sunglasses UV Protection, Classic Vintage Holiday Sunglasses UV400, Kids’ Aviators, and several other low-cost options. These products, which are attractively priced and come in child-friendly styles, were found to feature misleading claims about their UV-blocking capabilities or displayed erratic filtering levels, contradicting their advertised specifications.
Another critical finding was the complete absence of mandatory safety information on all tested sunglasses. Necessary markings such as ‘CE’ or the UK’s ‘UKCA’—which signify compliance with relevant safety standards—were missing. According to Which?, their absence means none of the sunglasses examined could be legally sold in the UK, casting doubt on the regulation of products available through major online retailers.
Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, emphasised the risks as families prepare for summer holidays: “We understand parents want to protect their children’s eyes, and with many appealing and affordable options online, it’s easy to make a quick purchase. But our research suggests a number of these products are not just ineffective, but could also be hazardous. This highlights ongoing flaws in the way online marketplaces monitor and take responsibility for safety standards.”
The organisation is now calling for the Government to strengthen laws surrounding online marketplaces. Which? has urged the inclusion of clear legal obligations in the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to ensure online platforms are accountable for the safety of items listed for sale. Which? suggests that failure to comply should attract meaningful penalties to encourage rigorous safety enforcement.
Following the publication of these findings, several of the major online marketplaces responded to the Which? report by outlining steps taken to address the issue. An Amazon spokesperson stated, “Safety is a top priority, and we require compliance with all laws and our internal policies. Non-compliant products identified during this investigation have been removed, as part of ongoing monitoring to protect customers.”
AliExpress echoed a similar message, explaining that any products highlighted in the Which? tests had been taken down. The company emphasised its strict rules and commitment to maintaining a secure online shopping environment for all users.
eBay also highlighted its actions, noting that consumer protection is a chief concern. Representatives explained their process for proactively identifying and delisting unsafe items, which in this case included removing problem sunglasses even before Which? made contact. Sophisticated algorithms and expert monitoring teams are deployed to identify and prevent unsafe listings from reaching consumers.
Other platforms—such as Temu, TikTok and Shein—also stated that any sunglasses featured in the investigation have been removed from sale while thorough reviews are conducted. All reiterated their pledges to uphold robust product safety standards and to cooperate with regulatory authorities.
This scenario brings into sharp focus the challenges that arise when shopping on global online marketplaces, especially for items intended for children. While digital marketplaces offer wide choice and convenience, shoppers are reminded to scrutinise product information closely, look for legitimate safety markings, and consider established retailers to ensure they are not compromising their children’s wellbeing in search of a bargain.
Regulators and consumer groups urge parents to treat unverified claims from online descriptions with scepticism, as appearances and low prices may mask real risks. As increased scrutiny falls upon digital sellers, authorities will look to close the regulatory gaps allowing unsafe goods to reach British families.