CE Certification for Toys
Technological developments in the toy sector and modern sales and marketing systems have raised new issues regarding toy safety, causing increasing concern among consumers. The experience gained during the period of application of Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys has led to the conclusion that it is necessary to update and supplement safety requirements.
Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 on Toy Safety
Following the evaluation of the Toy Safety Directive, the Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on toy safety in July 2023. Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2025 was subsequently adopted, repealing the previous Directive 2009/48/EC.
The new rules will strengthen the protection of children when interacting with toys by targeting particularly harmful chemicals. The new requirements will also improve the enforcement of these rules by relying on digital technologies.
Similar to what has already been established by the Ecodesign Regulation, all toys must have a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This will include compliance with relevant safety standards, improve the traceability of toys, and make market surveillance and customs controls simpler and more efficient. It will also provide consumers with easy access to safety information and warnings, for example via a QR code.
The Toy Safety Regulation enters into force on January 1, 2026, and will begin to apply after a transition period of four and a half years, starting from August 1, 2030.
Stricter requirements for chemical substances
Compared to the previous Directive 88/378/EEC and the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, the new Regulation imposes stricter requirements for chemical products:
- Carcinogenic, mutagenic (altering genetic information), and toxic for reproduction chemical substances (so-called CMR substances) are no longer permitted in accessible parts of toys beyond the concentration limits established by the legislation on classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures, unless they are considered safe after a rigorous scientific evaluation.
- 19 heavy elements (or heavy metals), such as mercury and cadmium, are not permitted in toy parts accessible to children beyond the limits established by Directive 2009/48/EC.
- 55 allergenic fragrances have been banned. However, some of them — and 11 other ingredients — may be used in certain toys provided they are indicated on the label and comply with additional requirements.
Making toys available on the EU market
There are 2 possible conformity assessments that allow the sale of toys in the EU. The manufacturer must demonstrate the conformity of a toy through:
- Self-verification with the full use of harmonized European standards
- Third-party verification via a Notified Body
All toys sold in the EU must bear the CE Marking. This is the manufacturer’s declaration that the toy meets the essential safety requirements.
Harmonized European standards
The Toy Safety Directive does not specify the technical details of toy safety requirements. Technical details are provided in the Technical Standards developed by European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC).
Notified Bodies
Notified Bodies perform EC type-examinations and issue the relevant certificates. The EC type-examination is one of the two possible conformity assessment methods that allow toys to be marketed in the EU. Notified bodies have been designated by EU countries.
Voluntary agreements with stakeholders
Stakeholders have signed voluntary agreements with the European Commission to improve toy safety:
- Voluntary agreement between the European Commission and Toy Industries of Europe
- Voluntary agreement between the European Commission and Eurocommerce, European Retail Round Table, Toy Traders of Europe, and European Promotional Products Association
