TISI Seizes Nearly 20,000 Uncertified Squishy Toys Over Chemical Safety Risks

BANGKOK — 3 August 2026, Thailand’s Industrial Standards Institute has seized nearly 20,000 uncertified squishy toys worth more than 1 million baht from shops and distribution centres in Bangkok’s Sampheng market area. The Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) said inspections of six businesses uncovered 19,665 squishy toys that did not meet mandatory safety requirements, with a combined value of 1,013,109 baht. Ekniti Romyanon, secretary-general of TISI, said squishy products are legally classified as toys and must comply with Thai Industrial Standard TIS 685 Part 1-2019. The products must also carry the required TIS certification mark before they can legally be imported or sold in Thailand. TISI launched the inspections after monitoring the growing popularity of squishy toys on social media and online shopping platforms, including TikTok. Officials focused on stores with large numbers of followers and views before tracing the products to six major shops and distribution centres in the Sampheng area. TISI said one of the six operators was acting as both a seller and an unauthorised importer, while the remaining five were selling uncertified products. Legal action will be taken against all six businesses, the institute said. Those convicted of selling products that fail to meet mandatory standards face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both. Unauthorised importers face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 2 million baht, or both. Ekniti warned that uncertified squishy toys may contain unsafe levels of chemicals, heavy metals, fragrances and coating substances. Many of the products are made from polyurethane or low-grade foam, which TISI said may contain residues of volatile organic compounds and phthalates. Exposure to some of these substances has been associated with cancer risks, disruption of the endocrine system, respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. However, TISI’s announcement did not state that laboratory tests had confirmed the presence of carcinogenic chemicals in the specific products seized. Some squishy toys are also designed to resemble food and contain added fragrances, which could encourage young children to place them in their mouths. TISI warned that this could expose children to harmful substances or create a choking and airway obstruction risk. The moisture-retaining material used in the toys may also allow bacteria and fungi to grow if the products are not properly cleaned, potentially causing skin irritation or disease. Consumers were advised to check for the TIS mark before purchasing toys, particularly products intended for young children. The post TISI seizes nearly 20,000 uncertified squishy toys over chemical safety risks appeared first on Khaosod English.