Recently, the European Commission released the “Proposal for Toy Safety Regulations”. The proposed regulations amend existing rules to protect children from the potential risks of toys. The deadline for submitting feedback is September 25, 2023.
Toys currently sold in the EU market are regulated by the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. Existing directives set out the safety requirements that toys must meet when placed on the EU market, regardless of whether they are manufactured in the EU or in a third country. This facilitates the free movement of toys within the single market.
However, after evaluating the directive, the European Commission found some weaknesses in the practical application of the current directive since its adoption in 2009. In particular, there is a need for a higher level of protection against risks that may exist in toys, particularly from harmful chemicals. Furthermore, the evaluation concluded that the Directive needs to be implemented more effectively, especially with regard to online sales.
Furthermore, the EU Chemicals Sustainable Development Strategy calls for greater protection of consumers and vulnerable groups from the most harmful chemicals. Therefore, the European Commission proposes new rules in its proposal to ensure that only safe toys can be sold in the EU.
Toy Safety Regulation Proposal
Building on existing rules, the new regulatory proposals update the safety requirements that toys must meet when sold in the EU, regardless of whether the products are manufactured in the EU or elsewhere. More specifically, this new draft regulation will:
1. Strengthen the control of hazardous substances
In order to better protect children from harmful chemicals, the proposed regulations would not only retain the current ban on the use of substances in toys that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR), but would also recommend banning the use of substances that affect the endocrine system (endocrine system). interferons), and chemicals that are toxic to specific organs, including the immune, nervous, or respiratory systems. These chemicals may interfere with children’s hormones, cognitive development, or affect their health.
2. Strengthen law enforcement
The proposal ensures that only safe toys will be sold in the EU. All toys must have a digital product passport, which includes information on compliance with the proposed regulations. Importers must submit a digital product passport for all toys at EU borders, including those sold online. The new IT system will screen all digital product passports at external borders and identify goods requiring detailed controls at customs. State inspectors will continue to inspect toys. In addition, the proposal ensures that the Commission has the power to require the removal of toys from the market if there are risks posed by unsafe toys that are not explicitly foreseen by the regulations.
3. Replace the word “warning”
The proposed regulation replaces the word “warning” (which currently requires translation into the languages of the member states) with a universal pictogram. This will simplify the industry without compromising the protection of children. Therefore, under this regulation, where applicable, the CE mark will be followed by a pictogram (or any other warning) indicating special risks or uses.
4. Product range
The exempted products remain the same as under the current directive, except that slings and catapults are no longer excluded from the scope of the proposed regulations.
Post time: Oct-12-2023