A new European regulation strengthening safety rules for the production and sale of all toys within the European Union – targeting the elimination of chemical substances harmful to children’s health – has been agreed upon by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

At the heart of this legislative progress is Vice-President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu, who served as rapporteur for the Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety and advocated for the ban of carcinogenic substances.

“This agreement is a strong commitment to protecting future generations. Our children will now be able to play safely”, said MEP Victor Negrescu.

“Every day, children are exposed to dangerous chemicals in consumer products, including toys – especially those imported from outside the EU – which put their health and development at risk. That is why we are proud to have banned the use of extremely dangerous substances such as PFAS and the most toxic bisphenols in toys”, added the EP Vice President.

The new regulation, which updates and reinforces existing EU safety rules, introduces a series of critical provisions aimed at eliminating dangerous substances in toys and better monitoring products on the market. In addition to the existing ban on carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxic (CRM) substances, the legislation now prohibits chemicals that are endocrine disruptors, harmful to the respiratory system, or toxic for the skin and internal organs. Notably, at Parliament’s insistence, the regulation includes a complete ban on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) and highly hazardous bisphenols—substances linked to severe health issues such as childhood cancers and autoimmune disorders.

The rules also strengthen safety assessment procedures. Before placing a toy on the market, manufacturers will now be required to conduct a thorough safety evaluation, covering all potential hazards: chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, and even radioactivity. Special attention must be paid to the specific vulnerabilities of children, including potential impacts of digital toys on mental health.

Further provisions clarify and expand the responsibilities of economic operators—including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and fulfillment service providers. Online marketplaces will also have to comply with stricter standards, ensuring that vital safety information—such as CE markings, warnings, and links to the digital product passport (DPP)—are displayed clearly before a purchase is made. This DPP will be mandatory for all toys sold in the EU and is designed to facilitate customs checks, improve product traceability, and enhance consumers’ access to reliable safety data.

As the voice of ENVI Committee this process, MEP Victor Negrescu played a central role in steering the legislation through interinstitutional negotiations. Parliament adopted its position in March, and following the successful outcome of the talks, the Council is expected to formally adopt the agreement. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal, with member states given 54 months to fully comply.

This landmark agreement reflects the EU’s clear commitment to prioritizing children’s health and safeguarding the environment they will grow up in.

As Vice President Victor Negrescu noted, “the agreement marks a step forward in making children’s health a priority by ensuring that toys made and sold in any member state are safe”.

It is also a testament to the EU’s dedication to protecting its citizens from harmful substances, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, and ensuring that future generations of Europeans grow up in a safer, healthier world.