The European Parliament has approved a major update to the EU Toy Safety Regulation, introducing stricter chemical bans, mandatory digital product passports, and new obligations for online marketplaces. With 80% of the €6.5 billion in toys imported by the EU in 2023 coming from China, the new rules will directly impact Chinese manufacturers and exporters supplying the European market. A transition period of four and a half years allows industry adaptation.
Key chemical bans
The regulation extends existing prohibitions on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances to include endocrine disruptors, respiratory sensitisers, and chemicals toxic to specific organs. The intentional use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the most hazardous bisphenols is now banned. Allergenic fragrances are prohibited in toys for children under 36 months and in mouthing toys.
Digital product passport (DPP)
Every toy sold in the EU must carry a clearly visible digital product passport indicating compliance with safety standards. This passport, accessible via QR code, will improve traceability, streamline customs controls, and give consumers easier access to safety warnings. The measure aims to reduce the number of unsafe toys reaching the market.
Online marketplace obligations
Online platforms must design their interfaces to allow sellers to display CE marking, safety warnings, and digital passports. Non-compliant toys will be treated as illegal online content under the Digital Services Act. This reflects the growing role of e-commerce in toy sales and targets unsafe imports from third countries.
Safety assessment and mental health
Manufacturers must conduct comprehensive safety assessments covering chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, and radioactivity risks. For digital toys, they must also evaluate potential risks to children's mental health. Corrective actions and immediate notification to market surveillance authorities are required if risks emerge.
What buyers should watch
Importers and distributors should prepare for the four-and-a-half-year transition period by auditing their supply chains for banned chemicals, implementing digital passport systems, and updating product labels with simple, understandable warnings. The regulation applies to all toys sold in the EU, regardless of origin, making compliance a prerequisite for market access.
China sourcing context
With China supplying 80% of EU toy imports, the new rules will significantly affect Chinese manufacturers. Exporters should begin reformulating products to eliminate PFAS, bisphenols, and endocrine disruptors, and invest in digital passport infrastructure. Early compliance can provide a competitive advantage as the 2030 enforcement deadline approaches.
Source: Read the original report | Published: November 25, 2025