Protection of children from unsafe toys stepped up

Toys put on the EU market are said to be already among the safest ones in the world.

But the EC says the proposed rules will further improve this protection, in particular from harmful chemicals.

They also aim at reducing the high number of unsafe toys that are still sold in the EU, especially online, increasing the level playing field between toys manufactured in the EU and imported ones.

At the same time, they will continue to ensure the free movement of toys within the Single Market.

On Friday, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “This proposal will ensure that children are even more protected when playing with toys, including from harmful chemicals.

“Enforcement will be stepped up thanks to digital technologies, allowing unsafe toys to be more easily detected, notably at EU borders.

“As a result, the proposal increases the level playing field for the EU toy manufacturing industry – especially SMEs – by eliminating unfair competition, while further improving the safety of our children.”

Building on the existing rules, the proposal updates the safety requirements that toys must meet to be marketed in the EU, whether they are manufactured in the EU or elsewhere.

More specifically, the proposal will seek to increase protection from harmful chemicals by prohibiting the use in toys of chemicals that affect the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) and chemicals affecting the respiratory system or are toxic to a specific organ.

In addition, the proposal introduces a Digital Product Passport, which will include information on compliance with the proposed Regulation.