Toy manufacturers, importers and retailers need to be aware of the revised EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC that was published on 30th June 2009 in the Official Journal of the EU. The Directive is replacing the 20 year old 88/378/EEC and will apply to all toys manufactured and distributed in the European Union from the 20th July 2011.

This new Directive aims to:

• Bring new and higher safety requirements to cope with recently identified hazards
• Strengthen manufacturers’ and importers' responsibility for the marketing of toys
• Enhance the market surveillance obligations of Member States’ enforcement authorities

Who is it for?

The Toy Safety Directive affects the manufacturers, importers and distributors of toys within the European Union as well as manufacturers outside the European Union who want to supply toys to the EU market.

What's changing for you?

The Directive brings the following main changes:

• A new definition of toys: "products designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14 years of age"
• Revised definitions and more demanding obligations for manufacturers, importers & distributors
• A hazard/risk assessment is now required
• An EC declaration of conformity must be drawn up
• Additional heavy metals/compounds are now restricted (19 instead of 8). Also, for most metals, the limits are reduced.
• New requirements place restrictions on fragrances added to toys
• New restrictions on CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction)
• New requirement for toys with food: toys contained within food or co-mingled with food must have their own packaging
• Textile toys for under 36 months shall be washable (and shall still comply with safety requirements after washing)
• Play cosmetics for dolls must comply with EU Cosmetics Directive
• Warnings - minimum and maximum ages or weight of user to be stated
• Marking: CE mark shall be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the toy, or to an affixed label, or to the packaging. Toys to bear a type, batch, serial or model number

What are the deadlines?

The revised European Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, published in June 2009, will come into force on 20th July 2011 (and on the 20th July 2013 for the section regulating the use of chemicals in toys).

Meanwhile, during the 2 year transition period, although manufacturers have to comply with the current Directive, they should work towards complying with the revised Directive.

What are the risks of not complying with the toy safety regulations?

Distributing unsafe toys in the European market could result in very expensive product recalls and risk of liability. Additionally, you would face brand damage and loss of customer’s confidence.

The Solution: EU Toy Supply Chain Risk Management Solution

Backed by global teams of technical specialists and business professionals, we have introduced our EU Toy Supply Chain Risk Management Solution that specifically addresses the new requirements within the EU toy regulatory framework. Our Solution can assist you to not only become compliant, but also to improve quality performance and reduce risk of returns/recalls, thus enhancing profitability and improving brand reputation.

Click here to download our brochure

Highlights of EU Toy Solution include:

• Factory Chemical Management System Assessment and Safety Assessment
• Chemical Screen Test
• Production Control / Process Control Plan
• Business Reviews
• Technical File Management
• Our web-based information management platform, BV OneSource

Contact us to know more: bvsales@uk.bureauveritas.com