Despite stringent toy safety regulations established by the European Union, dangerous toys continue to reach children. Recently, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) endorsed new toy safety rules to enhance children’s health and development. This revision of the 2009 directive addresses the growing prevalence of online shopping and advancements in digital technologies.
The new regulations establish vital safety requirements for all toys sold within the EU, irrespective of their country of origin, and mandate a CE marking to confirm compliance with EU standards. In the previous year, toys accounted for 15% of alerts in the EU’s rapid alert system for hazardous products, primarily due to chemical risks.
“With the new toy safety regulation, Europe is sending a clear signal: safety must not be left up to chance. Thanks to clear guidelines, modern safety requirements and fair transitional arrangements, companies can plan and grow responsibly – and children can play carefree. This regulation is a win for everyone: consumers, manufacturers and the future of our children,” said the rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE).
Member states and industry stakeholders have a 4.5-year transition period to implement these regulations, which are designed to reduce unsafe toys on the market. The ban on harmful substances has been broadened to include endocrine disruptors and specific chemicals identified as detrimental to children’s health. Furthermore, allergenic fragrances will be prohibited in toys intended for children under three years of age and those designed for mouth contact.
Manufacturers are required to conduct comprehensive safety assessments before the marketing of toys, which must include evaluations of potential hazards, flammability, hygiene, and radioactivity. The new rules also mandate the inclusion of a digital product passport (DPP) for all toys, enhancing traceability and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Economic operators must ensure that warnings are displayed in clear language, and online marketplaces must prominently display CE markings and DPPs. Toys that do not meet these compliance requirements will be classified as “illegal content” under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These new regulations will come into effect 20 days following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
