As reported by the EU Commission, the European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional political agreement on the current toy safety rules in the EU, which the Commission had revised in 2023. The new regulation aims to better protect children from harmful chemicals such as PFAS (see also PFAS violations may result in imprisonment), endocrine disruptors and bisphenols. Toys are to have a digital product passport to prevent unsafe toys sold online and offline from entering the EU. The regulation contains stricter rules for online sales in particular and gives inspectors more powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. This is intended to ensure that imported toys are just as safe for consumers as toys produced in the EU. Building on existing rules, the new Toy Safety Regulation will update the safety requirements for toys to be placed on the EU market, regardless of whether the toy is produced in the EU or elsewhere. Here you will find the most important new requirements:
- Better protection against harmful chemicals: In addition to the substances already banned, the new regulation will prohibit the use of chemicals that affect the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) or the respiratory system, cause skin allergies or are toxic to a specific organ. In addition, the use of hazardous bisphenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in toys will be banned.
- Better use of digital tools: With the new regulation, all toys must have a digital product passport in the format of a data carrier, such as a QR code, on the toy. Consumers or authorities can easily view the product, conformity and other information of the toy. Importers must submit digital product passports at EU borders, including for toys sold online. A new IT system will check all digital product passports at the EU's external borders and identify consignments that require in-depth checks at customs. The control of toys by national inspectors will be facilitated as information will be easily available in the digital product passport. This will streamline action against unsafe toys in the EU and ensure that all toy producers can compete on an equal and fair footing.
Next steps: The political agreement still requires formal approval by the EU Parliament and the Council and will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. The Regulation provides for a transitional period for industry and authorities to adapt to the new rules.
Questions about toy safety? The trade-e-bility consulting team will be happy to help you via +49/40/750687-300 or send us an e-mail.
