Hot toys release VOC, the EU intends to increase limits

On October 28, 2019, the European Commission has issued instructions to SCHEER (Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks) recommending the addition of restrictions on toxic and harmful volatile organic compounds in toys in the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48 / EC) (hereinafter, referred to as VOCs) content, to complement the existing laws and regulations vacancies.

Prior to this, EU countries (Denmark and Sweden) successively recalled a class of soft squeeze toys (up to now, 18 models have been recalled), which are mainly made of polymer foam or polyurethane materials. The reason for the recall was that when these toys were in close contact with children, they continued to release a number of toxic and harmful VOCs, causing irritating damage to children's eyes, skin and respiratory mucosa.

In November 2019, SCHEER investigated and verified and finally confirmed that soft squeeze toys made of polymer foam or polyurethane have the risk of releasing VOCs. According to the release amount and toxicological risk assessment, the following 8 types of high concern VOCs and recommended limits are provided. Preliminary control opinions will be announced in September 2020.

The related information of 8 kinds of VOCs is as follows:

Tips: EU countries (Denmark, Sweden) have already recalled soft squeeze toys due to the release of one or more of the above VOCs. Therefore, before the EU officially issues VOC control requirements, CTT recommends that such toy-related companies export to EU countries It is necessary to pay special attention to the above 8 VOC release situations to avoid the risk of product failure to clear customs or compulsory delisting recall.