The National Standards Authority of Ireland is advising last minute Halloween shoppers, to check for safety standards, such as the CE mark and flame resistant labels when buying costumes and accessories.

Under EU laws, Halloween costumes and toys must contain the CE mark, meaning the product has undergone safety tests and has complied with national and international standards.

The NSAI has said these labels will not stop the material from catching fire, but it does indicate that they will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

NSAI Spokesperson Pat Bracken outlines what the best option is for parents.

“We are asking parents to ensure that they remove the risk, which is flame,” Mr Bracken said.

“So not to have children playing with naked flame or candles or that and to provide them perhaps with battery-operated candles or torches when they are going on the trick-or-treat.