Earlier this month, the EU announced that they have reached a provisional agreement for the proposed new Toy Safety Regulation, replacing the existing 2009 Toy Safety Directive.
The new regulation will build on the existing safety requirements that toys must comply with to be on the EU market. Most notably, these include:
- Increased 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 or the respiratory system, those that can create skin allergies or are toxic to a specific organ. It will also ban the use of dangerous PFAS in toys.
- Better use of digital tools: All toys will be required to have a Digital Product Passport in the format of a data carrier, such as a QR code, on the toy. This ensures that Consumers or authorities will easily see the toy’s product, compliance and other information. Importers will have to submit digital product passports at the EU borders, including for toys sold online.
The agreement is now undergoing formal approval by the EU Parliament and Council. It is expected that there will be a transition period, for authorities and businesses to adapt to the new rules.
