On toy safety, Parliament backs tougher EU rules. Among them are:
– Banning of the most harmful chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors
– Smart toys must meet safety, security and privacy standards right from the design stage
In 2022, toys topped the list of dangerous product alerts in the EU
According to the EU Safety Gate (the EU’s rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products), toys are the most frequently notified product category, accounting for 23% of all notifications in 2022 and 20% in 2021.
The new rules aim to reduce the number of dangerous toys sold in the EU’s single market and better protect children from the risks associated with toys.
With an emphasis on children’s health and development, the proposal strengthens requirements and bans on certain chemical substances in toys.
The existing ban on carcinogenic and mutagenic substances or substances toxic to reproduction (CRM) is extended to include chemicals that are particularly harmful to children, such as endocrine disruptors or chemicals affecting the respiratory system. The rules also target chemicals that are toxic to certain organs or are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic.
The toys must also not contain any per- and polyfluorinated alkaline substances (PFAS).
All toys sold in the EU will need to have a digital product passport (which will replace the EU Declaration of Conformity) detailing compliance with the relevant safety rules. This will improve the traceability of toys and make market surveillance and customs checks easier and more efficient.
Users will also have easy access to safety information and warnings, for example via a QR code. In their position, MEPs call on the Commission to support and provide guidance to SME toy manufacturers in carrying out safety assessments and fulfilling product passport requirements.
Toys with digital elements must meet safety, security and privacy standards in their design.
According to MEPs, toys using artificial intelligence that fall under the scope of the new Artificial Intelligence Act will have to meet cybersecurity, data protection and privacy requirements.
Manufacturers of digitally connected toys must comply with EU cybersecurity rules and consider, where appropriate, the risks to the mental health and cognitive development of children who use such toys.
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