Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on toy safety published

On 28 July 2023, the European Commission adopted and published a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on toy safety to replace Directive 2009/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on toy safety. The proposal revises the current rules to protect children from potential risks in toys. Toys placed on the EU market are already among the safest in the world. The proposed rules will further improve this protection, in particular from harmful chemicals. They also aim to reduce the high number of unsafe toys still sold in the EU, especially online, and thus increase the level playing field between EU-made and imported toys. At the same time, they will continue to ensure the free movement of toys within the single market. Building on existing rules, the proposal updates the safety requirements that toys must meet to be placed on the EU market, whether they are made in the EU or elsewhere. More specifically, the proposal will ensure: Increased protection against harmful chemicals: The proposal not only maintains the current ban on substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR), but also bans the use of other harmful chemicals in toys. The proposal focuses on chemicals that are particularly harmful to children. For example, it will ban the use in toys of chemicals that affect the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) and chemicals that affect the respiratory system or are toxic to a specific organ. Strengthening enforcement: The proposal ensures that only safe toys are sold in the EU. All toys will have to have a digital product passport which will contain information on compliance with the proposed Regulation. Importers will have to submit digital product passports for all toys at EU borders, including toys sold online. The new IT system will check all digital product passports at external borders and identify consignments that need detailed checks at customs. National inspectors will continue to be responsible for carrying out checks on toys. In addition, where there are dangerous toys presenting risks not clearly foreseen by the Regulation, the proposal ensures that the Commission has the power to require that these toys be withdrawn from the market. Website: Commission steps up protection of children from unsafe toys (europa.eu)