EU member states and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on strengthening the protection of children from harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors in toys. About this informs Le Figaro.
“The EU rules on toy safety are among the strictest in the world, but we must remain vigilant by adapting the rules to new risks and ensuring safety standards are met for all toys, whether they are made in Europe or abroad.” – noted Polish Minister of Technology Krzysztof Paszyk.
The new text of the regulation provides for a ban on the use of so-called “permanent chemical substances” (PFAS), except in cases where their complete exclusion is impossible and the substances are not directly accessible to children.
PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds characterized by extremely slow degradation. Prolonged contact with even small concentrations can cause liver damage, increase cholesterol, weaken the immune system, reduce birth weight and develop some forms of cancer.
The document also contains provisions on the prohibition of other dangerous substances, including endocrine disruptors that affect the functioning of the hormonal system.
“The new toy safety regulation sends a powerful signal: for the protection of our children, for fair competition and for Europe as a place to do business,” — explained the author of the document, German member of the European Parliament Marion Walsmann.
She added that one in five products withdrawn from the EU market due to safety concerns was a toy. The document will enter into force after its official approval by the EU member states and the European Parliament.
