Toys contribute to child development and play is an essential part of growing up. However, toys have to be safe to play with and ensuring that they do not put children at risk is a priority, especially in relation to the use of chemicals in toys. If you plan to sell toys into the EU – or already do so – you now have a chance to influence future safety rules.
The EU’s Toy Safety Directive already covers many risks to the health and safety of children, as well as other people such as parents or caregivers, from physical, mechanical, flammability, chemical, electrical, hygiene and radioactivity hazards. Now the European Commission is looking to tighten up the rules, having identified several shortcomings that could compromise the health and safety of children.
Chemicals are everywhere in our daily lives but in a world that is striving for a greener economy, less pollution, less impact on the environment and improving outcomes for human health, the Commission is looking to collect views on how the Toy Safety Directive can better protect children, in particular by reducing toxic chemicals that could compromise their health and safety. The aim is to design products that are less toxic, better for the environment, can be recycled back into the economy and form part of the EU's zero pollution ambition.
As well as looking at chemical risks, changes are also being considered regarding digital technologies in toys which may pose new risks for children, for example in terms of protection of data, privacy or risks linked to cybersecurity. The Commission is also looking at how it might crackdown on the sale of non-compliant toys in the EU, particularly via online sales, where a consumer might be unaware that they are purchasing products that do not meet EU’s safety requirements or a retailer is unsure of what is required. Steps being considered include extending the requirement to have conformity assessments done by a 3rd party to a wider range of toys and the introduction of a digital product passport – including information on compliance – which must accompany the product.
The Commission is keen to hear from manufacturers, importers, distributors and trade associations on how they think these far reaching rules are working and what the impact of any proposed changes might be.
If you are interested to take part in this consultation and share your views, please go the following webpage Toy Safety Directive - public consultation
If you would like to be informed of other opportunities to respond to surveys like this, or indeed if you have additional questions around doing business in the EU or need help with understanding changes since the UK left the EU, then please get in touch with us via: https://www.innovateukedge.ukri.org/contact-us
Closes 25th May 2022
