EU: Toy Safety Regulation redefines product safety standards

Why do I need to read this

The Toy Safety Regulation (TSR) is expected to become law soon and aims to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU. TSR will impact anyone that sells, distributes or manufactures toys. Such businesses will be liable for any non-compliance. The consequences of which could lead to fines or the product being banned. And in some cases criminal sanctions.
This new law has wide-reaching ramifications as it has the potential to redefine the EU’s product safety standards. Indeed an interesting development is how businesses will have to consider the impact that digitally connected toys could have on mental health and cognitive development. TSR also includes compliance with rules surrounding AI and data protection, as well as further bans on chemicals.

What are the key changes to be introduced by the Toy Regulation?

Key Change	Summary
Chemicals Ban	A wider ban on the use of harmful chemicals. This will include chemicals affecting the immune and hormone system of a child (i.e. PFAS and endocrine disruptors)
Digital Product Passport	A Digital Product Passport will replace the EU Declaration of Conformity. This will include information on compliance with relevant EU legislation and warnings
Labelling and warning	The CE logo and data carrier will need to be added to the toy, its label or packaging, as well as on instructions. A general warning will also need to be included (word or symbol)
Digitally connected toys	A child’s mental health and cognitive development will need to be considered for toys that connect via Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. Businesses will also need to comply with EU rules governing AI, cyber resilience and general data protection
Accessibility & Reporting	Manufacturers and importers are obliged to provide contact information. All economic operators involved will need to report safety concerns and incidents

What else do you need to know about the Toy Regulation?

The regulation is in the final stages of the legislative process and we expect adoption imminently. Businesses will then have a long lead time to comply (around 4 to 5 years). This transition period reflects how complex implementation of the new requirements will be.
TSR will add an additional layer of protection to current product safety laws. It also reflects the regulator’s ambition to boost competitiveness of the EU’s industry. We expect that the European Commission will try to fast track amendments by way of delegated acts and that the interplay of the entire landscape of laws governing consumer products will create more challenges for businesses in the future. The notable emphasis added to digital toys and adjacent considerations related to data security and the use of AI will add a new dimension to the EU’s scrutiny.

Co-authored: Pia Krökel Caruana and Clare Johnston (Knowledge)

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