The European Commission has proposed new rules aimed at protecting children from potential risks from toys.

Toy safety is already regulated by a 2009 directive, but the commission said that a review had identified some weaknesses in its application.

It added that the new rules would, in particular, strengthen protection against harmful chemicals in toys.

They also aim to reduce the high number of unsafe toys that the EU body says are still sold in the EU, especially online.

Harmful chemicals

The proposal maintains the current prohibition of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMRs), but it also extends the ban to other chemicals that are particularly harmful for children.

These include chemicals that affect the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors), and chemicals that affect the respiratory system or are toxic to a specific organ.

Under the plans, 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 these passports for all toys at the EU borders – including for those sold online.

Enforcement

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.

“Enforcement will be stepped up, thanks to digital technologies, allowing unsafe toys to be more easily detected, notably at EU borders,” said Thierry Breton (commissioner for the internal market).

“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,” he added.