Which? investigation finds “unsafe and illegal” sunglasses sold online

An investigation by Which? has found a number of children’s sunglasses sold through online marketplaces failed safety tests and are illegal to sell in the UK.

In response to the findings, the AOP said it was “unacceptable” that unsafe and illegal sunglasses are being sold to the public, “particularly to parents trying to protect their children’s developing eyes.”

Researchers at Which? bought 20 pairs of sunglasses from six online marketplaces: Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, TikTok, Temu and Shein.

The researchers found two pairs tested had “dangerously low” UV protection levels, despite claiming full protection, making them illegal to sell in the UK.

Other frames tested were found to offer significantly different protection between the two lenses.

All of the sunglasses tested were found to be missing information, labels and marketings, such as CE or UK Conformity Assessed markings, which are required to be sold in the UK legally.

Which? has urged consumers to avoid buying cheap children’s sunglasses from online marketplaces, especially if they appear unbranded, and recommended purchasing sunglasses through High Street stores.

Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, highlighted that with summer holidays approaching, parents might be tempted to buy cheap frames online.

Concha said: “Our research shows many of these models are so ineffective as to be dangerous for children to wear and this is a consequence of online marketplaces having no real responsibility or incentive for taking safety seriously.”

Which? argued that the Government’s Product Regulation and Metrology Bill should be strengthened to include legal responsibilities for online marketplaces, to ensure products sold on their sites are safe, also recommending heavy fines for those that fall short.

Commenting on the findings of the investigation, the AOP’s head of clinical and regulatory, Henry Leonard, said the association is aware of the issue and the “challenge” certain online providers present.

He emphasised: “It is unacceptable that unsafe and illegal sunglasses that lack proper UV protection and/or the British Standard, CE or UKCA markings, are being sold to the public, particularly trying to protect their children’s developing eyes.”

Leonard recommended: “During heatwaves like the one we’re experiencing, it’s good to engage patients in those all-important conversations about eye protection.”

“Whether for children or adults, well-fitting sunglasses that meet the appropriate standards are not a luxury, but an essential safeguard against the long-term damage that can be caused by excessive UV exposure,” he added.

Discussing regulation, Leonard told OT: “It is critical that regulators enforce stringent safety standards to ensure patients are given the secure, certified options they require. Striking the balance between cost and quality should never come at the expense of causing damage to children’s eyes.”

The AOP said it will continue to advise the public to purchase their spectacles and sunglasses from a reputable supplier.

The products that failed the Which? safety tests have since been removed from the platforms. Find out more about the investigation, and the response from the online retailers, here.