EU Strengthens Toy Safety Regulations To Enhance Protection For Children's Health

The European Union Council and the European Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement on updating toy safety regulations for the EU single market. This new regulation aims to enhance children's health and development protection. It strengthens the role of economic operators in ensuring toy safety and clarifies requirements for safety warnings and the digital product passport (DPP).

Key changes include expanding the list of banned substances in toys, particularly focusing on harmful chemicals. The regulation now includes a ban on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic for reproduction chemicals (CMRs), as well as other hazardous substances like endocrine disruptors. Additionally, skin sensitisers and toys treated with biocidal products are prohibited, except for those meant to be kept outdoors.

The agreement also restricts preservatives and bans fragrance allergens in toys intended for children under three or those meant to be placed in children's mouths. This move aims to further protect young children from potential health risks associated with these substances.

Krzysztof Paszyk, Poland's Minister for Economic Development and Technology, emphasised the importance of prioritising children's safety. "Children's safety must always come first. While the EU's toy safety rules are among the strictest in the world, we must remain vigilant, adapt the rules to emerging risks and ensure that safety standards are met for all toys, whether made in Europe or abroad," he stated.

The new regulation introduces a limited ban on intentionally using PFAS in toys. However, exceptions exist for toy components essential for electronic or electric functions where these substances are completely inaccessible to children. PFAS are chemicals found in many products, with some classified as carcinogenic or endocrine disruptors.

The Commission is granted authority to remove toys from the market if new risks arise. This measure ensures that any emerging threats can be swiftly addressed to maintain high safety standards across all toys available within the EU market.

Rapporteur Marion Walsmann from Germany's Group of the European People's Party highlighted the significance of this regulation: "The new Toy Safety Regulation sends out a strong signal: for the protection of our children, fair competition and for Europe as a business location."

With inputs from WAM