Brussels, 20/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Greater safety for children by preventing dangerous toys from falling into their hands - such is the aim of the new European directive on toy safety which took effect on Wednesday 20 July to replace a text dating back to 1988.
With entry into force of the new text (Directive 2009/48/EC), all actors involved in the production, selling and control of toys on the EU market will have more responsibility to ensure greater protection for children. First and foremost, member states should ensure that market surveillance authorities perform adequate checks both at EU external borders and within the EU itself, including visits to the premises of economic operators for immediate confiscation of dangerous toys.
Furthermore, toy manufacturers, importers and distributors also have more obligations. Before placing a new toy on the market, they will have to identify the hazards and the potential exposure of children via a safety assessment, including assessment of chemical, technical, mechanical and hygiene safety. This will be completed by analysis of flame retardants and radioactivity in toys. Finally, manufacturers will also be under an obligation to ensure toy traceability by indicating the name, address and product number on the packaging. For toys without packaging, this information, which is essential before use, should be noted on the label of the toy itself. Warnings should also specify the minimum age required for children using the toy, with a pictogramme.
The new Community directive on toy safety, which took effect on 20 July 2009, gave manufacturers until 20 July 2011 to comply with the legislation. The second major step in this European directive will be on 20 July 2013, when toy manufacturers are to apply the new regulations for chemicals.
Nearly 80 million European children are concerned by these new provisions. The European toy industry accounts for over 25% of the global toy market. (E.H./transl.jl)