The EU has finalised stricter toy safety legislation for toys being placed on the EU market, replacing the existing 2009 Toy Safety Directive.
Those impacted by the new rules will have a 4.5 year transition period in which to implement the new legislation.
Stricter Chemical Regulation
The existing ban on substances will be extended to also include endocrine disruptors, substances that harm the respiratory system, skin and other organs, and intentional use of PFAS. Fragrances that cause allergic reactions will also be banned in toys for children under 3 years and in toys designed to be placed in the mouth.
Safety Assessment
Toy manufacturers will have to carry out a safety assessment on potential chemical, physical, mechanical and electrical hazards – before placing a toy on the EU market. This includes product flammability, hygiene and radioactivity.
Digital Product Passport
All toys being placed on the EU market must have a Digital Product Passport (DPP), displaying proof of compliance with the toy safety legislation.
A DPP is an electronic record, available on the product (e.g. QR code), containing detailed information about the product.
Online Marketplaces
Online platforms that facilitate the sale of toys onto the EU market must enable sellers to display the product DPP, safety warnings and CE markings online.
The legislation will come into force 20 days after being published in the Official EU Journal, after which those in scope will have 4.5 years to comply with the new safety measures.
