Absorbing water beads

On this page

What is the product?
Why is it restricted?
What type of water absorbing beads are restricted?
Images of examples of water beads:

Note: If you supply products for sale on VegaVend, you must comply with all applicable EU, UK and local laws and regulations, as well as VegaVend policies applicable to those products and product listings.

Note: The sale of water beads on VegaVend.it for delivery to customers in Italy is currently prohibited. For more information, go to Hazardous and Dangerous Items. This page is intended as information for Vendors selling into stores in the UK and the EU countries.

What is the product?

The non-toxic water beads are called jelly beads, water orbs, hydro orbs, polymer beads and gel beads. When the tiny hard plastic balls are placed in water, they can grow up to 200 times their size. The clear colourful beads can be dried out and reused. They are widely used for keeping moisture to the plants, and also as gel-ammunition for toy guns.

Why is it restricted?

All listings and products must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This product has been identified as water beads which are non-compliant with the Toy safety and Council directive 87/357/EEC (food imitating products). Their similarity to sweets poses serious safety risks for children consuming them. For more information, contact Trading Standards.

What type of water absorbing beads are restricted?

Water beads specifically stating they “expand”, “absorb” or “grow”, where one or more of the following are true:

Expanding or absorbing water beads with reference to “child”, “children” or “kids”
Expanding or absorbing water beads with images of children playing with the product (see below)
Expanding or absorbing water beads marketed as a “toy” or for “sensory play”
Expanding or absorbing water beads in the gl_toy