Unfortunately, from time to time, and especially with the arrival of Christmas, we receive abundant news about toys that do not meet safety standards and are dangerous for children.
It seems clear to me that in terms of safety for babies and children there is no need to spare any effort. And in this the European Commission is putting the spotlight, which on January 25 raised various measures to improve the safety of toys in Europe.
To this end, the Commission proposes the revision of the current Toys Directive, which has already been partly outdated after 20 years of operation. Just think about the new knowledge about chemical substances that are harmful to health and that must be controlled.
With this review they pursue 3 objectives. Above all, impose new and more stringent security requirements. Also increase the responsibility of manufacturers and importers in the marketing of toys. And, finally, expand the obligations of the member states regarding market surveillance.
In order to reduce the number of accidents related to toys, a special interest has been placed in reinforcing the community norms that refer to the use of chemical substances dangerous to health.
As reported on National Consumer Institute, these would be the concrete proposals:
- Prohibit the use of chemical substances that can cause cancer, such as the so-called CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction). - Reduce the limits allowed by certain hazardous chemicals such as lead or mercury. - Prohibit allergenic fragrances. - Force toy manufacturers to make the necessary warnings to improve accident prevention. The Commission will also continue to work on the development of more detailed guidelines on advertising. - Strengthen the rules to prevent accidents due to small parts that contain some toys. - Prohibit toys that are part of a food product and are not accessible until after eating the food. - Forcing toy manufacturers to direct their complete technical information so that market control authorities can control the design and manufacture of the toy. - Anticipate analysis in independent laboratories to test toys that do not have a standard (example: those with magnetic components). - Strengthen the responsibility of importers to ensure that toys from third countries are safe. - Improve the visibility of the CE mark on the toy. - Force the Member States to strengthen controls in their markets and at the Community borders. - Forcing Member States to impose fines if manufacturers or importers produce toys that are in accordance with the requirements of the Safety Directive.
Finally, we hope that the Commission proposal will finally be approved, after being debated by Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
