A number of toys have been pulled from shelves as they pose a serious risk to children.
The items have been recalled in Manchester due to the plastic packaging that poses an 'asphyxiation risk' as well as higher than normal levels of chemicals that could harm a child if eaten.
Amil International Limited, a thriving business in Manchester's Broughton Street, was visited by officers from the council's Trading Standards team twice, the first being in February 2020.
The store's director has now been jailed as parents and carers have been warned to be mindful about the quality of toys they are purchasing this Christmas, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Amil International Limited had a range of stock seized from their shelves, including 218 electrical incense burners, as well as samples from four toys that were on sale.
Shockingly, despite being sold, it was revealed that the incense burner samples failed to meet the requirements set out by the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
These failures included improper labelling, incorrect plug dimensions, and access to live electrical parts - all which pose serious dangers when used in the home.
Worryingly for parents, the toys yanked from the business also failed to meet the safety specifications.
It was revealed that the plastic packaging poses an asphyxiation risk to children, and the plastic components used contained a level of phthalates higher than the accepted amount.
Phthalates can be ingested by a child from being sucked or chewed from a toy which is then entered into their digestive system, potentially causing disruption to the balance of hormones in the body.
Then just months later, on June 23, 2020, officers then returned to Amil International Limited where they seized all the remaining stock.
In a huge shock, a total of 411 items were taken.
In fact, on several occasions the Council invited the company and its director Akmal Habibi, 28, of Amberton Approach, Leeds, to an interview with Trading Standards officers, but they never attended.
This incident was not the first time the defendants had appeared before a court, with both being prosecuted in October 2020 for similar offences.
At a hearing held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Manchester Crown Court, Habibi pleaded guilty to three offences under the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2016, one offence under the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 and one offence under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 in his individual capacity.
The company also pleaded guilty to the same charges.
As a result, Habibi was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Further to this, he will also have to complete 80 hours unpaid work and take part in 10 days of rehabilitation activities. The court also ordered costs of £12,286.59 to be paid, as well as a £2,500 fine.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said: “As we approach Christmas, cases like these truly highlight the important work of our Trading Standards Team.
"Safety regulations are in place for a very good reason. It does not bear thinking about what damage could be caused by faulty wiring, or unsafe packaging in the hands of a child.
“As a Council we want to keep our neighbourhoods safe and ensure our businesses adhere to the highest standards. I’d like to thank our investigating officers as well as our legal team for securing this successful outcome.”
