Advocate for stronger regulations on toxic chemicals in children’s toys
Wen is calling on the UK Government to Match the EU’s New Toy Safety Regulation
Wen Calls on UK Government to Align with EU’s New Toy Safety Regulation
The UK’s toy safety laws remain outdated, failing to provide the same level of protection and leaving children and babies exposed to toxic chemicals that are being phased out elsewhere in Europe.
The new European Toy Safety Regulation will mean safer toys for children in the EU, with a ban on (EDCs), PFAS (known as forever chemicals) and Bisphenols, and accountability for online marketplaces that sell toys.
Wen is calling on the UK Government to match the EU’s new Toy Safety Regulation.
By aligning with these updated standards, the UK can ensure that children are protected from harmful substances in toys, maintaining high safety standards and public health protections.
We urge policymakers to prioritise children’s health and safety by updating the UK’s toy safety regulations in line with the EU’s new measures.
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Changes that are needed
Wen is urgently calling on the UK government to align its toy safety standards with the EU’s new Toy Safety Regulation to:
- Ban Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates and bisphenols, are now strictly limited in toys, with a focus on reducing exposure to substances linked to hormonal disruption and developmental harm.
- Lower limits of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in toys, ensuring children are not exposed to these toxic substances.
- Ban allergenic fragrances in toys, including 60 substances known to cause allergic reactions in children.
- Limit Formaldehyde, classified as a carcinogen and often found in plywood used for toys, is now limited to just 1.5 mg/kg in toys – reducing the risk of respiratory and skin issues.
- Ban on PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)—a group of “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, immune system harm, and developmental problems—ensuring toys are free from these persistent and toxic substances.
- Introduce digital product passports, allowing consumers and regulators to easily trace the safety information of each toy, ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
- Take the precautionary principle: Even if scientific evidence is not yet fully conclusive, the EU will act to protect children from potential harm.
Why Toxic Chemicals in Toys are a Problem
The developing foetus and young children are particularly vulnerable to even small exposures to harmful chemicals and substances at specific times during their growth and development, exposures that can have lifetime health impacts. Toys can leach potentially harmful chemicals from wear and tear, toxic coatings and paint, or other harmful plastic type materials. Children can be exposed in a variety of ways via mouthing, sucking or chewing toys.
Real-World Examples of Toxic Toys
Join us in advocating for the health and safety of children everywhere. Together, we can make a change!
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