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Toy Safety Regulation: Digital Passports and Substance Bans Coming to Europe

Published December 29, 2025, 16:15
Toy Safety Regulation: Digital Passports and Substance Bans Coming to Europe

A new Toy Safety Regulation will come into effect in the European Union on January 1, 2026, aiming to strengthen the protection of children from hazardous chemicals. The regulation provides for the prohibition of substances that disrupt hormones, harm the lungs, cause allergies, or damage specific organs, including PFAS and bisphenols. It also reinforces the ban on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxic substances. To ensure compliance, all toys placed on the EU market will need to have a digital product passport containing safety information, accessible to consumers via QR code or other data carrier. This will allow authorities to check toys imported into the EU, even online. The regulation represents a significant development in protecting children's health, addressing growing concerns about exposure to hazardous chemicals through toys. The digital aspect of the product passport also offers a modern and efficient method of control and transparency. The Commission states that the new regulation is the result of extensive consultations with member states, manufacturers, and consumer organizations, aiming to create a balanced and effective framework for toy safety in the EU.