Safety Requirements of Toys Meet by Law in Europe

Playing is one big exploration for children. It is so much more than fun entertainment. While playing the foundation is laid for creative, analytical, and strategic thinking and work is done on social-emotional development and motor development.

Which Requirements Must toys Meet by Law?

Toys must meet strict safety requirements in Europe. These requirements are laid down in the European Toy Directive. The provisions of the Directive ensure that toys cannot harm the health of the child. The age difference makes different demands when making toys. For example, babies often put toys in their mouths. Older children usually do not exhibit this behavior unless the toy is for the mouth. Specific limit values ​​have been established for chemicals used in toys for children under 3 years old. This also applies to toys intended for in the mouth. The European Toy Directive also contains requirements for toys made of latex. For example, it has been established that a maximum amount of nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances may be released (migrated) from latex toys. In the Netherlands, the requirements of the European Toy Directive are laid down in the Toy Commodities Act Decree. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises compliance with legislation and regulations by companies.

CE Marking

All toys in the Netherlands and Europe must bear the CE mark. CE marking stands for Conformité Européenne. It is a mark with which a producer makes clear that his product complies with European legislation and can successfully pass a possible inspection. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) supervises compliance with legislation and regulations by companies.

Buy Toys Online

Many people buy toys online. That is easy and you have the things quickly at home. Please note that you buy from a webshop from an EU member state. They must comply with the European laws and regulations that apply. If you buy online from a webshop outside the EU, other requirements apply to the toys. You don’t know how safe the toy is.

Batteries in Toys

Toys with electronic parts can contain a battery. Batteries in toys are harmful if chemical liquids leak from the battery. In addition, a child can put a battery in his mouth and swallow it if he could take the battery out of the toy. Toys with batteries should therefore be made in such a way that the battery holder can only be opened by an adult with a screwdriver or coin. For example, small children cannot remove the batteries and, for example, put them in their mouth or nose.

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