EU Toy Safety Regulation: What is included and how to prepare your brands

On 1 January 2026, the European Union announced a new era of toy safety with the implementation of its updated Toy Safety Regulation. Designed to address the evolving risks associated with modern and digital toys, and combat the rise in counterfeit products, these rules set a higher benchmark for child safety across the EU market. With a transition period until 1 August 2030 for full compliance, brands and manufacturers have just over 4 years to assess, adapt and align to the new requirements.
 
What are the key Components of the Regulation:

1. Ban on Harmful Chemicals
The new regulation introduces a strict ban on any substances that risk causing harm to children. This includes:

 - Endocrine disruptors
 - PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
 - Certain bisphenols
 - Chemicals affecting the respiratory system or specific major organs
 

This move aims to eliminate exposure to chemicals that can have long-term health effects on children, ensuring toys are safer than ever before.

2. Digital Product Passport (DPP)
An innovative feature of the new regulation is the requirement for all toys sold in the EU to have a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This passport contains:

 - Comprehensive safety and compliance information, and is accessible via a QR code on the toy, or its packaging, and
applies to all toys, with a particular focus on those sold online or imported from outside the EU
 

The DPP enhances transparency and traceability across the supply chain, making it much easier for consumers and authorities to verify a toy’s safety credentials.

3. Enhanced Safety Assessments
Manufacturers are now required to conduct thorough safety assessments covering all potential hazards, including:

 - Chemical, physical, mechanical, and electrical risks
 - Flammability and hygiene
 - Radioactivity
 - Digital risks, including those affecting children’s mental health
 

This holistic approach ensures that toys are evaluated for both traditional and emerging risks, especially as digital features become more common.
 
What are the implications for Brands?

The new regulation has significant implications for toy brands and manufacturers, specifically:

Product Development: Companies must review and update materials and processes to ensure banned substances are not used in any part of their toys.

Compliance & Documentation: Systems must be implemented to create and maintain digital product passports for every toy. The DPP must be accessible via a QR code on the toy, or its packaging.

Safety Assessments: Protocols need updating to include comprehensive hazard assessments, including digital and mental health risks.

Supply Chain: Brands must work closely with suppliers to ensure compliance with new chemical restrictions and documentation requirements. Online marketplaces will need to ensure their sellers have adhered to the new safety rules and there is a way to access the DPP.

Training: Teams across product development, compliance, and sales will need to be educated on the new requirements and compliance procedures, and clear on what will need to be delivered before 1 August 2030.

 
“The toy sector faces enormous challenges through copying, and anyone intent on infringing IP is likely to also cut corners with compliance. The forthcoming EU toy safety regulation changes will put far greater onus on traceability through digital product passports and new additions to safety standards. This can only be positive for the toy industry, safeguarding brand and design originality for those who respect IP and take the proper steps to comply with regulations.”

Laura Newbold Breen, CEO at ACID

 
What we recommend as the next steps:
With the regulation now announced, there is a transition period where brands have until 1 August 2030 to achieve full compliance.

It is recommended to take the following next steps:

 - Audit current products and processes to identify any compliance gaps
 - Identify the areas of the regulation that impact your brands
 - Develop a roadmap for achieving full compliance by the deadline
 - Engage with suppliers and partners to ensure the entire supply chain is aligned with the new rules and your roadmap

 -The new EU Toy Safety Regulation represents a significant step forward in protecting children from both traditional and emerging risks associated with toys. By acting now, brands can ensure a smooth transition and continued access to the EU market, while reinforcing an ongoing commitment to child safety.

Read more here - https://snapdragon-ip.com/blog/eu-toy-safety-regulation-what-is-included-and-how-to-prepare-your-brands/