EU to step up protection of children from unsafe toys
Toys
(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission proposed a Toy Safety Regulation Friday which revises current rules to protect children from potential risks in toys, with improved protection from harmful chemicals.
The rules 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.
"This proposal will ensure that children are even more protected when playing with toys, including from harmful chemicals," said Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton: "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."
The new proposal updates the safety requirements that toys must meet to be marketed in the EU, whether they are manufactured in the EU or elsewhere. Specifically, the proposal will:
- Increase protection from harmful chemicals: The proposal not only maintains the current prohibition of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMRs), but it also prohibits the use of other harmful chemicals in toys. The proposal targets chemicals that are particularly harmful for children. For instance, it will prohibit 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.
- Strengthen enforcement: The proposal ensures that only safe toys will be sold in the EU. All toys will be required to have a Digital Product Passport, which will include information on compliance with the proposed Regulation. Importers will have to submit digital product passports for all toys at the EU borders, including for those sold online. A new IT system will screen all digital product passports at the external borders and will identify the shipments that need detailed controls at customs. National inspectors will continue to be responsible for carrying out checks on toys. In addition, if there are unsafe toys presenting risks not clearly foreseen by the Regulation, the proposal ensures that the Commission has the power to require that these toys are taken off the market.
Protection of children from unsafe toys - guide
Proposal for a Regulation on Toy Safety