New Era in EU Toy Safety: What You Need to Know About the 2025 Toy Safety Regulation

The European Parliament has adopted new legislation modernizing existing toy safety rules to protect children's health at the highest level. This new EU Toy Safety Regulation, which will replace the directive in force since 2009, significantly raises the bar, particularly on chemical content and digital tracking.

Here are the details of the new rules that are critical for the toy industry, importers and manufacturers:

1. Expanding Chemical Bans: PFAS and Endocrine Disruptors

The new rules significantly tighten chemical restrictions to protect children's sensitive development processes.

• PFAS (Forever Chemicals): Intentional use of PFAS in all toys is completely banned.

• Endocrine Disruptors and Bisphenols: Substances that harm the hormonal system and the most dangerous types of bisphenols can no longer be present in toys.

• Allergenic Fragrances: Bans on allergenic fragrances have been introduced, especially in toys for children under 3 years of age and products likely to be put in the mouth.

2. Digital Product Passport (DPP) Requirement

To speed up customs inspections and increase transparency, every toy must have a Digital Product Passport (DPP).

• QR Code Access: Consumers and inspectors will be able to easily access product safety information and compliance documents through a QR code.

• Traceability: This system will make the recall of unsafe products from the market and customs controls much more efficient.

3. New Responsibilities for Online Marketplaces

With the growth of e-commerce, online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay are now subject to stricter rules.

• Marketplaces are required to ensure that sellers clearly display CE marking, safety warnings and digital passport information.

• Toys that do not comply with the rules will be considered "illegal content" under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and will be quickly removed from platforms.

4. Comprehensive Safety Assessment

Before placing a toy on the market, manufacturers must conduct a detailed analysis that includes not only physical but also the following risks:

• Chemical, mechanical and electrical risks.
• Hygiene and radioactivity checks.
• Digital Risks: The effects of smart toys on children's mental health are now also part of the safety assessment.

Why Is This Important?

In 2023, the value of toys imported into the EU reached 6.5 billion euros, 80% of which came from China. Toys are the second most reported dangerous product group in the EU's rapid alert system (Safety Gate), after cosmetics.

What Awaits the Industry? (Transition Period)

The new regulation is expected to enter into force after its publication in the Official Journal. A 4.5-year transition period is envisaged for member states and industry stakeholders. During this period, it is critical for manufacturers to optimize their supply chains and production processes according to the new standards.

Pier Compliance Note: We recommend that all economic operators supplying toys to the EU market review their technical files and chemical testing protocols in line with these new rules.

You can contact us for detailed consultancy on new regulations and compliance processes.

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Pier Compliance — Product Safety & Compliance Consulting

info@piercompliance.com

• www.piercompliance.com