The European Union has taken an important step forward in toy safety with new additions to the EN 71 series of standards. These new regulations aim to increase chemical safety, especially to protect children’s health. CEN (European Committee for Standardization) has published EN 71-15, EN 71-16 and EN 71-17 standards, which will be valid as of 2025. These standards set safe levels of potentially harmful chemicals in toys.
EN 71-15:2025 regulates the content of formamide used in sponge toys, while EN 71-16:2025 specifically controls the amount of chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP, TDCP). As these chemicals can pose potential health risks in toys, the standards limit the proportion of these substances in toys. EN 71-17:2025 specifies the content of isothiazolinones, in particular MIT, CIT and BIT, in toys that may come into contact with the mouth. These substances can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions and must be kept within safe limits.
These new regulations aim to protect children’s health in line with the EU’s toy safety directives. The new standards are an important update for toy manufacturers and importers and will make it mandatory for products to comply with these new norms. They also contribute to circular economy goals and encourage the use of recycled materials.
With the approval of the European Commission, once these standards are published in the Official Journal of the European Union, toy manufacturers are expected to comply with these requirements. These developments will be an important milestone for all stakeholders in the industry and will allow further strengthening of toy safety regulations.
