On Tuesday, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee approved its position on an update of EU rules on toy safety unanimously, with 37 votes in favour. The text, which also converts the current directive into a regulation, responds to a number of emerging challenges, including the changes in purchasing habits from online shops and the increased use of digital technologies.

Ban on harmful chemicals

To improve child health protection, the regulation continues to prohibit carcinogenic and mutagenic substances or substances toxic for reproduction (CRM). The adopted text additionally bans chemicals harmful to the endocrine or the respiratory system, and toxic to specific organs.

Strengthening checks

The draft rules provide for manufacturers to create digital product passports for each toy, which detail how it complies with the relevant rules. This will enhance market surveillance and strengthen customs inspections at borders. MEPs added that consumers should also have easy…