A significant milestone for child safety in Europe has been achieved. The European Parliament, the European Council, and the European Commission have successfully concluded negotiations, reaching a political agreement to implement a substantially updated EU Toy Safety Regulation. This new legislation reinforces the commitment to ensuring only the safest toys reach children across the European Union.
Building upon the established framework, the revised Toy Safety Regulation will continue to utilise harmonised standards as a key mechanism for manufacturers to demonstrate Presumption of Conformity with mandatory safety requirements. However, the agreement introduces crucial updates applicable to all toys intended for the EU market, regardless of whether they are manufactured within the EU or imported from elsewhere.
Enhanced Chemical Safety for Children:
A major focus of the new rules is bolstering protection against harmful chemicals. The regulation significantly expands the list of prohibited substances in toys. Beyond existing bans, it will now explicitly forbid the use of chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) or the respiratory system. Furthermore, substances classified as skin sensitisers or toxic to specific organs will be prohibited. Critically, the agreement introduces specific bans on hazardous bisphenols and the entire class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in toys, reflecting growing health concerns. This stricter chemical safety approach aims to provide unparalleled protection for children.
Digital Innovation for Transparency and Enforcement:
The updated EU Toy Safety Regulation embraces digital tools to enhance transparency and streamline enforcement. A key innovation is the mandatory introduction of a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for every toy placed on the market. This DPP, accessible via a data carrier like a QR code directly on the toy or its packaging, will provide consumers and authorities with easy access to crucial product information, compliance details, and safety data.
Streamlined Controls, Especially for Online Sales:
The Digital Product Passport system is central to improving market surveillance and customs controls. Importers will be required to submit the DPP for all toy consignments at EU borders, explicitly including toys sold online. A new, sophisticated IT system will automatically screen these DPPs at the EU's external borders, identifying shipments that require detailed inspection by customs authorities. This digital-first approach will also empower national inspectors, providing them with readily available compliance information via the DPP, facilitating quicker and more effective checks on toys already within the EU market.
This comprehensive update to the EU Toy Safety Regulation promises safer products for children, more efficient market surveillance, robust customs controls particularly for the growing online toy sales channel, and a level playing field for all responsible toy manufacturers and importers operating within the European Union. Businesses involved in the toy sector should prepare for these significant toy compliance changes.
Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
99.60 Withdrawal effective
Safety of toys - Part 3: Migration of certain elements
60.60 Standard published
Safety of toys - Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
90.60 Close of review
Safety of toys - Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
99.60 Withdrawal effective
Safety of toys - Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
60.60 Standard published
Safety of toys - Part 7: Finger paints - Requirements and test methods
99.60 Withdrawal effective
