Deadline for chemicals compliance with EU Toy Directive draws closer

March 9, 2012 - PRLog -- The phased implementation schedule of the new EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC commenced in July 2011 with the main parts of the directive. As of July 2013 toy manufacturers and members of their supply chain must additionally comply with the new chemical requirements of the directive. With the clock ticking towards a mandatory phase, it is now time to prepare data on the substances used in your toys and conduct the requisite chemical assessments so that your products comply before the deadline.

The chemical regulations contained in the EU Toy Safety Directive will strengthen the rules concerning the permitted chemical composition of toys and is intended to protect consumers, and in particular children, against the potential hazards of chemicals.

Chemical hazards

Regarded as causes of adverse effects on human health, chemical hazards are risks that arise due to an exposure to chemical substances. The actual risk largely depends on the actual substances or mixtures of chemicals that toys are composed of and any chemicals that they enclose and that may be released during their foreseeable lifetime of use.

New chemical requirements of the toy directive

Any substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) are banned from use in the accessible parts of a toy. In addition, 19 restricted elements are now subject to tighter migration limits, while toxic heavy metals such as lead or mercury and 55 listed allergenic fragrances are not permitted in toys, although technically unavoidable traces are allowed up to 100 ppm. A further 11 allergenic fragrances must be declared if they are present in concentrations above 0.01% by weight. Moreover, Nitrosamines and Nitrosable substances may not be used in toys intended for children under 36 months or for use in toys intended to be placed in the mouth. Furthermore, toys manufactured in the EU must also comply with the REACH regulation on chemicals.

It is important you do not wait until July 2013, you should act now. Now is the time to start the process and ensure that your products are ready in good time during 2012. The assessment starts by gathering data from the supply chain and this process can take some time to complete.

Mandatory documentation

The EU Toy Directive (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...) demands that you to compose a Bill of Materials (BOM) or a Bill of Substance (BOS) for each product as well as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical that is relevant to the assessment. For a manufacturer, the first step is to obtain data on chemical compositions from suppliers. If this is not forthcoming, then chemical testing has to be performed to identify the presence and proportions of the chemicals in products. All chemical substances on the BOS must be evaluated and may not exceed the concentration and/or migration limits in applicable legislation or standards and not present an inherent hazard (the user can possibly be exposed to them). No subsequent changes can be made to the BOM or BOS unless a new material/substance is assessed and approved.

Scope of the chemical safety assessment

Since July 20, 2011, all products manufactured for sale within the EU require a chemical safety assessment to comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive, but that assessment must also meet a wider set of conditions. Not only prohibited or restricted substances are covered by the safety assessment, but also other chemical hazards are included. Such hazards are posed by substances that may not currently be prohibited or restricted, but nonetheless are undesirable in toys due to their inherent health risks.

Keeping your assessment up to date

The chemical safety assessment remains valid unless the toy is altered in some way. Product changes that amend the design, raw materials, additives, or paints may have an impact on safety and present new hazards. In this case the safety assessment must be updated. In addition, other factors may impact a toy’s safety and suitability, requiring an update of the chemical safety assessment. Such factors include changes to the legislation or standards, new scientific discoveries or information about a specific substance are found, complaints from consumers suggest a toy represents a risk or recalls of similar toys are made following a risk assessment.

Conversely, if none these factors change, there is no need to renew the safety assessment. In this case you are advised to focus your energies on production control and stay ahead of regulatory changes making sure that your toys comply with any new requirements.

About SGS Toy Services

As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, SGS toy laboratories are internationally recognized by major industry associations and accreditation bodies. In addition, SGS toy labs are strategically located in key manufacturing zones and transit points worldwide. Take advantage of the technical expertise and global experience of SGS in toy safety regulations (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Toys-and-Juve...) to ensure that your products meet all the requirements of the new toy directive.

For further information please contact the SGS Toy Experts:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Sanda Stefanovic
Senior Toy Expert
SGS Nederland BV
Malledijk 18, PO Box 200
3200 AE Spijkenisse
The Netherlands

t: +31 181 694517
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/pages/consumer-testing/sgs-consumer-go...

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.

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SGS Consumer Testing Services ensures the quality and safety of every kind of consumer products, from textiles, electronics and furniture to food and automotive.
For more information, please visit: http://www.consumer-goods-retail.sgs.com/