The European Commission has announced a major step toward greater child safety – the European Parliament and the Council have reached a preliminary agreement on new toy safety regulations.
Why is this important?
Because these changes will have a real impact on what ends up in children’s hands – whether the toy comes from a factory in the EU or was ordered online from another continent.
What’s changing?
- End of hazardous substances
The new rules ban the use of harmful chemicals in toys, such as PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”), bisphenols, and endocrine disruptors. This is a huge leap forward for children’s health and safety. - Digital product passport
Every toy will be required to have its own digital “ID” – for example, in the form of a QR code. This will make it easy for consumers and customs authorities to check where the product comes from, whether it meets standards, and what its specifications are. - Stronger enforcement – including online
The new regulations strengthen oversight of online trade. Inspectors will have more tools to remove dangerous products from the market, and companies outside the EU will have to comply with the same standards as European manufacturers.
What’s next?
The agreement still awaits formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council. The new rules will come into effect 20 days after publication, with a transition period for manufacturers and inspection authorities.
This is a key step toward better protection for children and a more level playing field in the market. Because safety shouldn’t depend on where we buy toys – they should all meet the same high standards.
Source: European Commission