Meeting in plenary session on Wednesday 13 March, MEPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the report by Marion Walsmann (EPP, German) on the regulation on toy safety in the EU: 603 votes in favour, 5 against and 15 abstentions.
Among the additional amendments put to the vote during this session and approved by MEPs, three (amendments 206, 254 and 255) broaden the categories of hazardous substances banned in toy design: chromium VI, mercury, cadmium and lead are formally banned from product design.
Amendment 247, tabled on behalf of the Committee on Environment, reduces and sets out much more strictly the conditions for exceptions to their use, citing in particular cases where it is demonstrated that the “elimination or substitution of such substances via design changes or other materials or components” is demonstrated to be impossible for manufacturers or where “there are no technically viable alternatives for the substance or mixture” in question.
Marion Walsmann, who said she was very pleased with the broad vote in favour of her report, said the decision sent a clear and strong signal on child protection in the EU (see EUROPE 13349/12).
With the elections approaching, it will be for the next Parliament to follow up this legislative dossier. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)