By the end of 2025, the EU plans to implement a broader reform of its chemical substances regulation, known as REACH, to address hazardous substances more effectively.

These new rules aim to protect children from invisible but potentially harmful chemical substances, ensuring that toys are safe for use.

New regulations will clarify the roles of economic operators, including manufacturers and online retailers, in ensuring toy safety and compliance with the new standards.

On April 11, 2025, the European Union reached a landmark agreement to ban PFAS and endocrine disruptors in children's toys by 2030, significantly enhancing child safety.

Marion Walsmann, a key negotiator and German MEP, emphasized the need to revise the 2009 Toy Safety Directive to mitigate risks from hazardous chemicals and improve labeling, particularly for online sales.

PFAS, commonly found in bath toys, beach games, and teething rings, pose health risks to children through both mouth and skin contact, prompting the EU's decisive action.

The ban also targets endocrine disruptors, substances linked to hormonal disturbances and declining sperm quality, which have been a concern for over two decades.

Krzysztof Paszyk, Poland's Minister of Technology, highlighted the importance of adapting safety regulations to emerging risks in toy manufacturing, despite existing stringent EU laws.

A digital product passport will be established to enhance toy traceability, providing consumers with easy access to safety information and ensuring compliance across online marketplaces.

Additionally, toys emitting sound will be regulated to ensure they do not exceed established safety limits, protecting children's hearing.

This agreement marks a significant step towards stricter regulations, responding to years of advocacy from civil society organizations for improved toy safety standards.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and have been increasingly restricted globally due to their serious health implications.