‘Toothpick’ crossbow craze spurs sale warning

A mini crossbow craze that has become the latest must-have toy for school children in China cannot be legally sold in New Zealand, the Commerce Commission warns.

The palm-sized ‘‘mini’’ or ‘‘toothpick’’ pistol crossbows can shoot toothpicks and needles powerful enough to puncture soft drink cans, apples and cardboard.

Several cities in China have banned sales of the crossbows, although there have been no reports of serious injuries.

The commission was alerted to the sale of the mini pistol crossbows on Trade Me last week.

Yesterday, it said these products were likely to be covered by an unsafe goods notice and could not be sold in New Zealand. Unsafe goods notices effectively ban a product because of product-related safety issues.

‘‘Anyone currently selling the crossbows in New Zealand should immediately remove them from sale,’’ the commission said. ‘‘Anyone who has purchased one of these crossbows from a New Zealand trader should return it to the trader for a refund.’’

Pistol crossbows without safety catches were declared unsafe goods in 1989. It was an offence to supply, offer to supply, advertise or import pistol crossbows without safety catches.

There were seven products on the Government’s list, six of which were permanently banned. These included lead in children’s toys, multipurpose ladders, and small, high powered magnets.

Other products were some hot water bottles, candles and candle wicks, and chainsaws without a chain brake. –Fairfax NZ