According to the EU Toy Safety Directive, product labeling review for toys is a process that ensures that toys sold in the EU meet the legal requirements for health and safety, and carry the correct information on the product and the packaging. Some of the requirements are:
- The toys must bear the CE mark as a toy packaging symbol in a visible and legible position.
- The toys must have a tracking ID that allows identifying the manufacturer or importer, the production batch, and the type of toy.
- The toys must have contact details of the manufacturer or importer, such as name, address, phone number, or website. A physical address in the EU is required, which could be an office or a post-box.
- The toys must have instructions and safety information in a language easily understood by consumers in the Member State where the toy is sold. The instructions and safety information must accompany the toy on the packaging, in a leaflet, or notice, and cannot be replaced by online information.
- The toys must have warnings of potential hazards, such as choking, suffocation, strangulation, or injury. The warnings must be clear, precise, and easy to read and understand by consumers. The warnings must also indicate the appropriate age range for the toy and any other relevant information.
There are many examples of toys that need warnings in the EU, depending on the type of hazards they pose and the age group they are intended for. Here are some of them: Toys containing small parts that can be swallowed or inhaled by children under 36 months, such as teether keys, bathtub toys, or building blocks. The warning should indicate the choking hazard and the appropriate age range. Toys intended to be put into the mouth by children, such as teethers, rattles, or musical instruments. The warning should indicate the choking hazard and the appropriate age range. Toys containing magnets that can be swallowed by children and cause serious injuries, such as magnetic building sets, puzzles, or games. The warning should indicate the magnetic hazard and the appropriate age range. Toys contained in the food that can be swallowed by children or cause suffocation, such as toys in cereal boxes, Kinder Joy Surprise Eggs, or McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys. The warning should indicate the toy inside and the need for adult supervision. Expanding materials that can be swallowed by children and cause intestinal blockages, such as expanding eggs, dinosaurs, or balls. The warning should indicate the expanding hazard and the appropriate age range. Aquatic toys and inflatable toys that can cause drowning or suffocation, such as swimming rings, armbands, or pool floats. The warning should indicate the drowning hazard and the need for adult supervision. Soft-filled toys and soft-filled parts of a toy can be swallowed by children or cause suffocation, such as stuffed animals, dolls, or cushions. The warning should indicate the choking hazard and the appropriate age range. These are just some examples of toys that need warnings in the EU. You can find more information on the Toy Safety Directive and EN 71 standards.