By 603 votes in favor and 5 against (and 15 abstentions), the European Parliament largely approved its position on the overhaul of the rules regarding toy safety. Soon, every toy sold in the EU will have to have a “digital product passport”.
Based on the observation that toys are the most notified goods in the European alert system for dangerous products in 2022, the European Parliament voted in favor of new requirements, as well as new bans, with regard to certain chemical substances in the development of toys.
Stricter rules for toy manufacturing
Thus, carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, as well as substances toxic to reproduction (CRM) are prohibited, to which are added endocrine disruptors and chemical substances affecting the respiratory system. Among other prohibitions, toys must also not contain perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkaline substances.
A laudable, even vital, initiative to say the least, when we know that according to a recent study, more than 9 out of 10 toys sold by the Chinese platform Temu are dangerous for children.
A “digital passport”, that is to say?
Concretely, all toys sold in the European Union will have a digital product passport, which will replace the European declaration of conformity. The latter will detail compliance with applicable safety rules, improve traceability and help make customs inspections simpler and more efficient.
Digital toys equipped with AI will have to comply with the law on artificial intelligence, but also respect the protection of privacy and various cybersecurity requirements.
For MEP Marion Walsmann: “ Children are our future and deserve the safest toys we can give them. This is what we assure them with the revision of the safety rules. We protect them from invisible threats, such as dangerous chemicals, and we ensure that safety notices, such as age restrictions, are clearly visible in online marketplaces. »
Note that if Parliament confirmed its position at first reading this Wednesday, March 13, the file will be followed by the next parliament, the one which will be elected after the upcoming European elections (from June 6 to 9).
Source : Europarl
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