A new European law which aims to tighten up on toy safety has been agreed in principle by MEPs and member states.
The new law demands that all toys sold in future will have to be fully traceable through what the European Commission calls a “Digital Product Passport” or DPP.
“The DPP will include essential details such as a unique product identifier, compliance documentation, and information on substances of concern. It will also provide user manuals, safety instructions, and guidance on product disposal”, the EU says.
The idea is that if problems are discovered, dangerous toys can be taken off the market more quickly right across Europe.
“All toys will have a Digital Product Passport to prevent unsafe toys sold online and offline from entering the EU.
The Regulation sets stricter rules on online sales and give inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. This will ensure that imported toys are as safe for consumers as toys manufactured in the EU.”
Although there are already strict rules in place for toys, the huge growth of online sales, and fast import of toys from elsewhere in the world, especially China, has put pressure on the existing system.
“The new Toy Safety Regulation will update the safety requirements that toys must meet to be marketed in the EU, whether they are manufactured in the EU or elsewhere”, the European Commission says.
Under the new system, importers will be required to provide digital passports for every product before they are allowed to enter the European Union, including for toys sold online.
“A new IT system will screen all digital product passports at the EU’s external borders and will 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.
This will streamline actions against unsafe toys in the EU and ensure that all toys manufacturers can compete equally and fairly”, the European Commission promises.
The new toy law will also double down on safety by extending bans on chemicals that could be harmful to children.
“In addition to the substances already banned, the new Regulation will prohibit the use of chemicals that affect the endocrine system (endocrine disruptors) or the respiratory system, those that can create skin allergies or are toxic to a specific organ”, the European Commission says.
So called ‘forever chemicals’, officially known as PFAS or ‘per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances’ will also be illegal in toys.
Existing EU law on toy safety is now more than 15 years old. An analysis by the European Commission found “a number of weaknesses” which necessitated coming forward with an updated regulation.
“There is a need for a higher level of protection from possible risks in toys, specifically from risks posed by harmful chemicals. Also, the evaluation concluded that the Directive needs to be implemented more efficiently, particularly regarding online sales.”
Agustín Reyna from the European consumer organisation, BEUC, responded positively to the change in the law.
“It is essential children get to play with toys that will not harm them physically or mentally. We welcome this new milestone for children protection as well as policymakers’ good work in ensuring safe play.
“Toys are among the most reported product category in the EU’s alert system for dangerous products. These new EU rules are strong on paper. Now, companies will need to abide by them.”
The new law is expected to be fully concluded within weeks. Irish authorities will have a transition period to adapt processes at the border before the law fully comes into force.