Teddy the spy - New EU Toy Safety Directive

Today, the European Parliament voted by a large majority in favor of revising the current EU Toy Safety Directive. The new regulation strengthens protection against chemicals, regulates so-called "smart toys" that are connected to the internet and introduces a "product passport" to offer consumers more transparency.

Green IMCO shadow rapporteur Katrin Langensiepen sees the revision as a major step towards safer play.

" Smart toys, AI: As today's toys evolve, so must EU safety regulations. A large number of toys on the market are unsafe and can harm children.

The adaptation of the EU Toy Safety Directive into a new EU regulation will significantly improve protection for children. In doing so, we want to keep all children in mind.

For the first time in the world, we are making reference to adaptable toys for children with disabilities. The directive is to be reviewed with regard to this aspect in the next evaluation.

An important gain for us Greens: toys should finally become less noisy. Today, the noise limits for toys are higher than those set for adults in the workplace. This is not healthy. The noise limits for toys should be adjusted accordingly.

Another of our greatest successes as Greens is that "mental health" should be taken into account as a criterion in safety testing.

One of our greatest successes for us Greens is also that "mental health" must be taken into account as a criterion in the safety check. Here we were able to prevail against the center-right majority and the EPP rapporteur Marion Walsmann, who wanted to delete this point.

When we talk about toy safety, we also have to think preventively and take into account potential hazards in the future. As Greens, it is therefore important to us that AI is examined as a potential risk in toy testing. 

When we talk about toy safety, we also have to think preventively and take into account potential hazards in the future. As Greens, it is therefore important to us that AI is examined as a potential risk in toy testing. 
Unfortunately the amendment that called for AI in toys to be considered a safety risk, was rejected by the Conservatives. They blocked the chance to proactively exclude potential risks from AI in children's rooms."