Implications of the New Toy Directive (2009/48/EC) Toxic Elements in Toys

2013 is just around the corner. Are you well-prepared to embrace the new challenges that come with it?

Under the New EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, there are new legal requirements covering chemicals in toys that will be effective on July 20, 2013. As this date draws nearer, many toy companies and manufacturers have started looking into one of the major changes with regards to the new migration limits for the new 19 toxic elements restricted under 2009/48/EC and amendment 2012/7/EU.

The Challenge:

New Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC now restricts 19 toxic elements, which is an additional 11 elements compared to the current requirement. Furthermore, new reduced limits have been established for different types of toy materials as summarized in the following table. 

There are also several other new chemical requirements and restrictions under the New Toy Safety Directive which include CMR chemicals (carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic to reproduction), allergenic fragrances, nitrosamines and nitrosatable levels. All of these new requirements and restrictions go into force on July 20, 2013.

The Solution:

Intertek, through our extensive global network, has a variety of services available to help you overcome the challenges related to complying with the new directive. Besides keeping you updated on any new developments from time to time, Intertek provides legal, regulatory and strategic consulting, testing, and implementation programs for compliance to the new directive, enabling you to meet your business objectives.

Intertek has also developed precise analytical yet economical methods in verifying the 19 toxic elements as outlined in draft prEN71 Part 3.

Should you have any query on the above news, please contact Ms. Natalie Kwok at Tel: (852) 2173-8634 / Mr. Elvis Chan at Tel: (852) 2173-8617 / Fax to (852) 2785-8570 / Email: intertek.tfh.info@intertek.com