Key Updates in the Proposal
New Safety Measures: The updated regulation introduces a ban on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and respiratory sensitisers, adding to existing prohibitions on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic substances. EDCs, such as bisphenols and phthalates, can interfere with hormonal activity and pose serious risks even at low doses. Respiratory sensitisers could exacerbate childhood asthma, while neurotoxic substances threaten developing brains.
Digital Product Passport: Manufacturers will be required to create a Digital Product Passport to ensure compliance with the new regulations and provide transparency regarding toy safety. This passport will detail all relevant safety assessments and adherence to applicable legislation.
Enhanced Safety Assessments: Before a toy reaches the market, manufacturers must conduct comprehensive safety assessments covering chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, and radioactivity hazards. This assessment will also include potential risks associated with digitally connected toys, including impacts on mental health and cognitive development.
Focus on Online Marketplaces: With the rise of online shopping, the updated regulations emphasize the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to identify and manage unsafe toys, particularly at EU borders.
Next Steps
The proposal now awaits inter-institutional negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the EU. Marion Walsmann, who guided the proposal through Parliament, expressed confidence that the new regulations could be finalized soon after the new Commission is established.
Florence Punzano from the consumer organization BEUC stressed the importance of maintaining the precautionary principle in the legislation to protect children’s mental health and address the risks posed by connected toys.
This reform aims to ensure a higher standard of safety for toys in the EU market, reflecting the latest scientific findings and the evolving landscape of toy production and distribution.
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