On 1 February 2023, the European Commission (EU) and the Expert Group on Toy Safety announced new guidelines for classifying toys for children under three years of age. This move aims to provide a more uniform interpretation of the EU’s toy safety requirements.
The original classification for toys aimed at young children was established in 2009 and included only three categories: jigsaw puzzles, dolls, and soft and stuffed toys. However, with the introduction of numerous new toys in recent years, there have been cases of disputes between manufacturers and authorities due to different opinions between EU member states on the correct age classification.
To address this issue, Guidance document No. 11 has been revised, and the updated version, Guidance document No. 112, now covers a total of 15 toy categories for children under 36 months of age. The new changes are expected to ensure greater consistency in classifying toys throughout the EU.
The list of the 15 product categories includes:
- Puzzles
- Dolls
- Soft and Stuffed/Or Partially Stuffed Toys
- Fidget Toys
- Modelling Clay/Dough, Slime and Soap Bubbles
- Movable/Wheeled Toys
- Play Scenes/Constructed Models and Construction Toys
- Game Sets and Board Games
- Toys Intended to be Entered
- Toys Intended to Bear the Mass of a Child
- Toy Sports Equipment and Balls
- Hobby Horse/Stick Horse
- Push-Pull Toys and Pull-along Toys
- Audio/Visual Equipment
- Toy Figures and Other Toys
Read the full guidance document here.
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