Toy doll – Photo EC
(BRUSSELS) – An EU Parliament committee approved stricter rules on toy safety Tuesday, aiming to bring down the number of unsafe toys on the single market and protect children better from toy-related risks.
According to the EU Safety Gate (the EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products), toys were the most notified product category, accounting for 23 per cent of all notifications in 2022 and 20% in 2021.
The text approved by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee converts the current directive into a regulation, responds to a number of new challenges, including changes in purchasing habits from online shops and increased use of digital technologies.
The regulation continues to prohibit carcinogenic and mutagenic substances or substances toxic for reproduction (CRM). The adopted text also bans chemicals harmful to the endocrine or the respiratory system, and toxic to specific organs.
The draft rules provide for manufacturers to create digital product passports for each toy, detailing how it complies with the relevant rules. Consumers should also have easy access to safety information, for example via a QR code. The MEPs urge the Commission to support and guide SME toy manufacturers in performing safety assessments and fulfilling the product passport requirements.
Digital toys with AI will have to comply with the Artificial Intelligence Act, which classifies them as high-risk, and subjects them to third-party assessments, risk management, transparency, and human oversight.
Under EU Cybersecurity rules, internet connected toys that have social interactive features (e.g. speaking or filming) may also require a third-party conformity assessment. The safety assessment will have to consider health risks, and when appropriate mental health, to ensure the highest standards for children’s well-being.
Toys must also comply with the recently updated General Product Safety rules, for example, when it comes to online sales, accident reporting, consumers’ right to information and remedy.
The draft report will now be put to a vote at an upcoming plenary session and will constitute Parliament’s position at first reading. The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June.
