The European Commission has announced a provisional political agreement on a new Regulation on Toy Safety, banning PFAS, endocrine disruptors, and bisphenols in toys sold across the EU. Agreed in Brussels on 11 April 2025, the legislation will introduce a Digital Product Passport and stricter enforcement on online sales, significantly impacting manufacturers, importers, and value chain actors who handle chemical materials and consumer products.
Chemical Safety in Toys: PFAS Ban and Compliance Obligations
The proposed legislation stems from the Commission’s 2023 proposal and directly targets the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alongside endocrine-disrupting and bisphenol-based chemicals in toys. These substances are widely used for their durability and resistance to water and heat but are increasingly scrutinised for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, especially for children.
“The new rules just agreed make toys sold online and offline safer for children,” stated Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné. “They ban harmful chemicals and introduce a Digital Product Passport that will provide wider information to consumers and help market inspectors detect and remove dangerous toys.”
Digital Product Passport and Market Surveillance
Safer Trade and Fairer Competition
Each toy placed on the EU market will need to carry a Digital Product Passport—a tool to improve traceability, transparency, and consumer trust. This mechanism will enable authorities to swiftly identify non-compliant imports and enhance inspections at EU borders. It will also support fair competition by ensuring imported toys meet the same safety standards as those manufactured within the EU.
Implications for Chemical Suppliers and Manufacturers
This regulation signals a decisive shift for chemical suppliers and manufacturers of plastic components, coatings, and additives. Businesses must reassess material inputs to comply with the ban on PFAS and related substances. This opens both risk and opportunity: while non-compliant stock may face obsolescence, demand for safer, EU-compliant chemical alternatives is likely to rise.
Prepare for Regulatory Enforcement
The legislation is currently in the decision-making stage, with implementation timelines to follow post-adoption. Stakeholders across the toy production value chain should monitor the upcoming enforcement date and prepare documentation aligned with Digital Product Passport requirements.
