SHEQ Management System

Toys contribute to child development and play is an essential part of growing up. However, toys have to be safe for children to play with. Ensuring that toys marketed in the EU do not put children at risk is a priority. EU legislation aims to ensure that toys meet safety requirements that are amongst the strictest in the world, especially in relation to the use of chemicals in toys.

The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC down the safety criteria that toys must meet before they can be marketed in the EU. Toys must also comply with any other EU legislation applicable to them. The essential safety requirements cover:

            • General risks: the health and safety of children, as well as other people such as parents or caregivers

            • Particular risks: physical and mechanical, flammability, chemical, electrical, hygiene and radioactivity risks

The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC replaced the former Directive 88/378/EEC. It adapted the legal framework to technological developments and previously unknown safety issues. The application and enforcement are aligned with the so-called 'new legislative framework'.

The new Directive had to be transposed by the EU countries into their national legislation by 20 January 2011 and has applied since 20 July 2011. The chemical safety requirements have applied since 20 July 2013.

Stricter requirements for chemical substances: Compared to the former Directive 88/378/EEC, the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC puts in place stricter requirements for chemicals:

            • Chemicals that are susceptible to cause cancer, change genetic information, harm fertility or harm an unborn child

               (so-called CMR substances) are no longer allowed in the accessible parts of toys beyond the concentration limits set in                the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures, or unless they are considered safe                following a rigorous scientific evaluation 

            • 19 so-called 'heavy elements' like mercury and cadmium are not allowed in toy parts accessible to children beyond the                limits laid down in Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC

            • 55 allergenic fragrances have been banned. However, some of them, and another 11, may be used in certain toys                                provided that they are indicated on the label and comply with additional requirements

All toys sold in the EU must carry a CE marking. This is the manufacturer's declaration that the toy satisfies the essential safety requirements.

For further information and to find out how SHEQ Management Systems can assist you in this regard, please contact us.