The European Parliament has adopted new regulations aimed at improving toy safety and protecting children’s health across the European Union. The rules are intended to address ongoing risks associated with unsafe toys, particularly in light of increased online shopping and advances in digital technology.
Despite having some of the world’s strictest toy safety standards, dangerous toys continue to reach consumers within the EU. The updated legislation, which builds on a 2009 directive, was agreed upon by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and member states. It provides for a four-and-a-half-year transition period for member states and industry stakeholders to implement the changes.
The regulation expands existing bans on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxins to include other chemicals that pose significant risks to children. These now cover endocrine disruptors, substances harmful to respiratory health, and chemicals toxic to skin and organs. The intentional use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) as well as certain bisphenols is also prohibited. Toys for children under three years old—and those meant to be placed in the mouth—will not be allowed to contain allergenic fragrances.
Manufacturers will be required to conduct comprehensive safety assessments before marketing toys. These assessments must consider chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical hazards, as well as flammability, hygiene, radioactivity, and specific vulnerabilities of children. For example, digital toys should be evaluated for potential impacts on mental health.
A key feature of the new rules is the introduction of a digital product passport (DPP) for all toys sold in the EU. This passport will make compliance information readily available via QR codes or similar means, streamlining market surveillance and customs checks while giving consumers easy access to safety warnings.
The regulation sets out clearer obligations for economic operators—including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and service providers—requiring them to mark warnings in easily understandable language. If a risk emerges after a toy is on the market, corrective measures must be taken immediately and relevant authorities notified.
Online marketplaces will also face stricter requirements. They must ensure that sellers can display CE markings, safety warnings, and digital product passports on their platforms. Toys that do not comply with these rules will be considered “illegal content” under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE), rapporteur for the regulation said: “With the new toy safety regulation, Europe is sending a clear signal: safety must not be left up to chance. Thanks to clear guidelines, modern safety requirements and fair transitional arrangements, companies can plan and grow responsibly – and children can play carefree. This regulation is a win for everyone: consumers, manufacturers and the future of our children.”
Once published in the Official Journal of the European Union, these new measures will come into force 20 days later.
Toys accounted for 15% of notifications in last year’s EU rapid alert system for dangerous consumer products—second only to cosmetics—with chemical ingredients cited as a main risk factor.
