Toy safety: Parliament wants stronger EU rules to protect children

Parliament stresses that, while the Toy Safety Directive (TSD) provides children with a high level of safety, some manufacturers from non-EU countries selling their products on the single market, especially online, do not comply with EU legislation. As a result, many toys sold in the EU still pose a significant threat.

In a report approved by 688 votes to six, with one abstention, MEPs call on the Commission and member states to step up measures to ensure that all toys placed on the EU market comply with the TSD, regardless of where they are manufactured.

Chemicals

Toys that are placed on the EU market must comply with specific EU rules on chemicals, Parliament recalls. The Commission should ensure that endocrine disruptors are banned in toys as soon as they are identified. In addition, the Commission must decide whether the current distinction between toys intended for children under 36 months and those intended for older children needs to be abolished.

A future revision of the TSD should also allow the limit values for dangerous chemical substances to be adapted quickly if needed and avoid a situation whereby different values are set at national level.

CONTINUE READING ON www.europarl.europa.eu