More Safety Under the Christmas Tree: European Parliament votes for new toy regulation

Today the European Parliament voted on the new EU Toy Regulation. The regulation sets out stricter requirements that toys must meet to be sold in the EU.

These include a comprehensive ban on PFAS and other dangerous chemicals. For the first time, risks such as noise exposure and the impact of digitally connected and AI-driven toys on children’s mental health are also taken into account. The new regulation places particular emphasis on the safety of adaptive toys for children with disabilities.

“This legislation marks a major step forward in protecting our children,” said Katrin Langensiepen, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in the IMCO Committee.

“In the future, toxic substances will no longer be able to enter our market through weak rules. Children have the right of safe products.”

Producers must demonstrate that toys do not pose additional risks and are designed to be accessible. “Children with disabilities are far too often overlooked when it comes to product safety,” Langensiepen said. “Adaptive toys are an important part of their development. It is long overdue that the EU sets clear requirements in this area.”

Given the growing number of digital and AI-based toys, the regulation obliges companies to consider psychological and emotional risks for children. “We must not allow algorithmic manipulation or uncontrolled data use to enter children’s rooms,” Langensiepen stressed. “Toys should support children’s development, not endanger it.”

In view of the still high number of unsafe products entering the EU market from third countries, particularly China, Langensiepen sees the reform as urgently needed. “The market is full of imported toys that pose serious health risks. This regulation finally gives authorities stronger tools to keep dangerous products out and protect our families.”