European Union finalizes pact on toy safety standards

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a provisional agreement on a new regulation for toy hygiene, aiming to enhance child safety in the EU. The new Regulation on Toy Safety is expected to come into force in 2026, replacing the existing Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.

Under the new Regulation, all toys will be required to have a Digital Product Passport. This passport, in the format of a data carrier such as a QR code, will provide easy access to essential product, compliance, and other information. Whether toys are sold online or offline, they will all be subject to this new measure to prevent unsafe toys from entering the EU.

The new Regulation sets stricter rules on online sales and gives inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. It also includes a transition period for industry and regulatory authorities to adjust to the new rules.

The Regulation bans the use of harmful chemicals such as PFAS, endocrine disruptors, bisphenols, chemicals affecting the endocrine system, respiratory system, causing skin allergies, toxic to specific organs, and dangerous bisphenols. This ban aims to ensure that toys meet the highest safety standards.

Importers will have to submit digital product passports at the EU borders, including for toys sold online. A new IT system will screen all digital product passports at the EU's external borders and identify the shipments that need detailed controls at customs.

Checks on toys by national inspectors will be facilitated, as information will be readily available in the digital product passport. The specific duration of the transition period will be determined and communicated upon the Regulation's formal approval.

The new Regulation will come into effect after its formal approval and publication in the Official Journal. It is expected to enter into force 20 days after its publication. The Regulation will include stricter rules on online sales and give inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market.

The transition period is part of the new Regulation to allow for adjustment to the new rules. Consumers or authorities will easily see the toy's product, compliance, and other information from the Digital Product Passport, ensuring transparency and safety for everyone.