Toy safety: The EU moves to protect children from potentially allergenic fragrances in toys

Today, the Commission adopted measures to improve labelling of toys that include potentially allergenic fragrances and to prohibit a number of allergenic fragrances to be used in toys. The objective of the new rules is to increase children’s protection from possible negative health effects of fragrances that could cause allergies, which may last for a lifetime. Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The health and safety of European citizens is our priority. By ensuring that toys marketed in the EU respect the safety requirements concerning allergenic fragrances, we contribute to children growing up safely in Europe. Today’s decision was taken in collaboration with consumer organisations, industry players and the Member States.” Since allergenic fragrances keep their potential to cause allergies independently of their use, the Commission amended the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC by extending the list of 55 banned fragrances with atranol, chloroatranol and methyl heptine carbonate in toys and toy materials. Additionally, the new rules require that 61 further allergenic fragrances in toys, if present at more than 100 mg/kg, have to be labelled on the toy, on an affixed label, on the packaging or in an accompanying leaflet. The new rules will be published in the Official Journal of the EU in the next days. The labelling requirements and prohibitions will apply 18 months later in all Member States.