The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will assess chemical safety in toys, process companies’ derogation requests to use prohibited chemicals and provide scientific recommendations through its expert committees. These responsibilities come from the new Toy Safety Regulation, which entered into force on 1 January.
ECHA will work closely with the European Commission (EC) to implement the Toy Safety Regulation by:
- Conducting safety assessments on chemical substances in toys, at the request of the European Commission, with expert opinions by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC); and
- Evaluating derogation requests from companies seeking permission to use prohibited chemicals, with assessments by both RAC and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).
Through this work, ECHA will contribute to ensuring that toys sold in the EU are safe for children.
Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director for Risk Management, said:
“ECHA’s new responsibilities require us to perform rigorous scientific assessments and provide clear advice on the safe use of chemicals in toys. Through this work, we will contribute to the protection of children’s health across the EU.”
Background
The Toy Safety Regulation (TSR) aims to make toys sold online and in stores safer for children. This regulation sets out stricter standards for chemical safety, product transparency and digital accountability.
ECHA is responsible for specific tasks under the Regulation, while the EC’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs oversees its implementation.