Consumers are now able to enjoy toys that are free from dangerous phthalates due to stronger standards.  

Why it's important

These chemicals had been found to ‘leach’ from toys and small infants who placed toys in their mouths were especially at risk. Nonetheless, despite high standards in toy safety today, enforcement in EU member states is often lacking and therefore it cannot be discounted that children will still receive dangerous toys to play with.

What BEUC did

Toy safety standards in Europe has considerably been improved in Europe thanks to the contribution from consumer organisations. For instance, in 2009, the Toy Safety Regulation was updated and introduced clear labelling and bans on some problematic chemicals. BEUC and ANEC successfully pushed for lead to be banned in toys. 

An important victory was achieved when, after an initial alert by Consumentenbond and a campaign by BEUC, a ban was introduced on Phthalates - a chemical used until that point in soft PVC childrens’ toys.