How does the Toy Safety Directive affect product compliance?

Dutch term: Speelgoedrichtlijn | Legal basis: Directive 2009/48/EC

The Toy Safety Directive (Directive 2009/48/EC) sets essential safety requirements for toys intended for children under 14. It covers physical and mechanical properties, flammability, chemical properties (including restrictions on specific chemical substances), electrical properties, hygiene and radioactivity. A new Toy Safety Regulation is under development and will replace the directive with a directly applicable regulation.

Manufacturers must carry out a conformity assessment (self-assessment for most toys, EU type-examination by a notified body for chemical safety and certain other aspects), compile technical documentation, draw up the EU Declaration of Conformity, and affix the CE marking. Importers must verify that the manufacturer has completed these steps and must indicate their own name and address on the packaging.

Why it matters for international businesses

For toy manufacturers and importers, the combination of strict chemical restrictions, physical safety requirements and the upcoming new regulation creates an evolving compliance landscape that requires ongoing attention.