The European Commission proposes a ban on all carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances in toys. However, the ban only refers to accessible parts of toys. In addition would the permitted levels of certain hazardous chemicals such as lead and mercury be reduced, but exceptions which would make it easy to get around the limits are allowed. The proposal does not include a ban on endocrine disruptors and sensitizers, that was demanded by the European Parliament last autumn. Certain allergenic fragrances would be banned according to the proposal, however there are no measures foreseen for other substances that can provoke allergies. The Precautionary Principle has unfortunately not been incorporated in the law proposal.

Read the proposal

Press release from the consumer organisations BEUC/ANEC