New EU Toy Safety Regulations
What You Really Need to Know
New EU Toy Safety Regulations
On 13 October 2025, the Council of the EU approved its position on a new Toy Safety Regulation that will replace Directive 2009/48/EC. The Regulation tightens chemical controls, introduces a mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP) and strengthens enforcement to keep unsafe toys out of the EU market. Final entry into force still requires European Parliament endorsement. Consilium
Once published in the Official Journal, the Regulation will enter into force after 20 days. Most obligations will fully apply after a transition period of about 4.5 years (54 months), giving businesses time to adapt systems and documentation. European Parliament
A Shift from Directive to Regulation
1) Stricter chemical controls. Beyond existing bans on CMRs, the text targets endocrine disruptors, PFAS (intended use ban), the most dangerous bisphenols, substances harmful to the respiratory system and skin, and allergenic fragrances (prohibited in toys for children under 36 months and toys meant to be placed in the mouth). Expect more agile updates via delegated acts as science evolves. European Parliament
2) Digital Product Passport (DPP). Each toy will carry a scannable, digital record (e.g., QR code) giving authorities and consumers quick access to compliance data (materials/chemicals, warnings, standards, manufacturer/AR details). The DPP becomes the primary compliance artefact and contains the DoC information, improving traceability and border checks. European Parliament+1
3) Economic operators & online marketplaces. Duties for manufacturers, importers, distributors and fulfilment service providers are clarified. Marketplaces must enable display of CE, warnings, and a link/QR to the DPP before purchase to help regulators and consumers verify compliance. European Parliament
Navigating the UK & Ireland Landscape
- Ireland / EU: When the Regulation applies, toys placed on the Irish/EU market will require CE marking and a DPP. Consilium
- Great Britain: The EU Regulation will not apply in GB; GB uses UKCA rules under OPSS (note the UK’s ongoing recognition of CE in many cases, but UKCA remains the GB framework). GOV.UK
Northern Ireland: EU product rules continue to apply. Use CE; if a UK conformity assessment body is used, apply UKNI alongside CE. GOV.UK+1
Navigating the UK & Ireland Landscape
- Ireland / EU: When the Regulation applies, toys placed on the Irish/EU market will require CE marking and a DPP. Consilium
- Great Britain: The EU Regulation will not apply in GB; GB uses UKCA rules under OPSS (note the UK’s ongoing recognition of CE in many cases, but UKCA remains the GB framework). GOV.UK
Northern Ireland: EU product rules continue to apply. Use CE; if a UK conformity assessment body is used, apply UKNI alongside CE. GOV.UK+1
What HSEQ & Quality Teams Should Do Now
- Regulatory roadmap: Map the 54-month transition and identify which obligations/IT changes (e.g., DPP data model, QR code deployment) you’ll phase in first. European Parliament
- Chemical compliance: Re-screen bills of materials for new bans/restrictions (PFAS, bisphenols, allergens), update supplier declarations and testing plans. European Parliament
- DPP readiness: Decide where your DPP will be hosted, how you’ll maintain data integrity, and how consumers/authorities will access it on-pack. European Parliament+1
- Online sales controls: Ensure CE, warnings and DPP link are visible pre-purchase on your listings and marketplace storefronts.
Navigating the complexities of the new EU Toy Safety Regulation requires expertise in regulatory compliance and quality management. AcornStar provides comprehensive HSEQ Consultancy Services and training courses to help businesses in the UK and Ireland meet their obligations. Contact us today to ensure your products are safe, compliant, and ready for the market.
Stop Throwing Profits in the Brown Bin Managing Food Waste During the Festive Rush
Stop Throwing Profits in the Brown Bin What You Really Need to Know Managing Food Waste During the Festive Rush Look in your brown bin right now. Go on, have a proper look. See that bag of wilted salad leaves? That’s €15 you’ll never see again. Those...
The Winter Vomiting Bug Protecting Your Kitchen This Christmas
The Winter Vomiting Bug Protecting Your Kitchen This Christmas What You Really Need to Know Reduce the risk of this viral villain wreaking havoc in your kitchen. The festive season should be a time of celebration, packed dining rooms, and satisfied customers. But for...
Turkey Shortage 2025 Why Your Christmas Menu Needs a Plan B (And How to Keep It Safe)
Turkey Shortage 2025 Why Your Christmas Menu Needs a Plan B What You Really Need to Know Genuine logistical challenge You’ve likely heard the whispers or seen the headlines about the new restriction zones in Monaghan and Cavan. Perhaps you’ve scrolled past...
How to Conduct an Effective Risk Assessment in Irish Workplaces
How to Conduct an Effective Risk Assessment A Step-by-Step Guide for Irish Employers What You Really Need to Know Introduction Risk assessment forms the cornerstone of effective workplace safety management, serving as the systematic foundation upon which all other...
Creating a Positive Safety Culture in Your Organisation
Creating a Positive Safety Culture in Your Organisation What You Really Need to Know Introduction “It’s just the way we do things around here.” This simple phrase captures the essence of organisational culture the unwritten rules, shared beliefs, and...
Wellbeing at Work Combatting Stress and Mental Health Risks in Irish Workplaces
Wellbeing at Work Tackling Stress and Mental Health in Irish Workplaces What You Really Need to Know Introduction Mental health has moved from the margins of workplace discourse to the centre of business strategy and for good reason. In boardrooms across Ireland,...
The Future of AI and Robotics in Workplace Safety
The Future of AI and Robotics in Workplace Safety What You Really Need to Know Introduction The integration of artificial intelligence and robotics into workplace safety management represents one of the most significant technological shifts facing Irish businesses...
Manual Handling Mistakes How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries
Manual Handling Mistakes How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries What You Really Need to Know Introduction Manual handling injuries represent one of the most significant workplace health challenges facing Irish businesses today, with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)...
7 Workers Injured Daily Why Winter Safety
7 Workers Injured Daily. Why Winter Safety Planning Can't Wait What You Really Need to Know Introduction The days are getting shorter, the mornings are darker, and there’s a crisp chill in the air that signals winter’s approach. For many of us, this...
The 3 Biggest Topics in HSEQ Right Now Takeaways from Europe’s Top Safety Summits
The 3 Biggest Topics in HSEQ Right Now Takeaways from Europe's Top Safety Summits What You Really Need to Know Introduction From October 23-24, 2025, hundreds of HSEQ professionals gathered in Berlin for the HSE360° Summit, one of Europe’s premier health,...
