The EU has updated the safety requirements for toys, ensuring high levels of protection continue to apply to all children using toys purchased in Europe. The updated Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC extends safety provisions to areas unknown when the “old” Toy Directive 88/378/EEC were agreed, and brings improvements to make enforcement across the Union more effective.

EU Market

There are around 80 million children under 14 in the EU. Toys and games are vital tools for their development. They enable children to have fun, learn to use their fingers, their brains, their senses, stretch their imaginations, and learn to share and play with siblings and friends. But parents need to have confidence in the safety of the toys with which their children play. Toy sales in 2007 amounted to over €14 billion. More than 80%, by value, of toys purchased in the European Union are imported, of which more than 97% are from Asia. Whilst manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products, importers, notified bodies and national authorities each have a role to play in ensuring the toys which are sold in Europe’s shops fulfill all safety requirements.

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