United Kingdom - Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011

‘Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011’ are the UK - adoption of the Regulation (EU) 2009/48 ‘Toy Safety Directive’, and were amended by the UK ‘(EU Exit) Regulations 2019’. The Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 set rules for toy manufacturers, importers and distributors. Toys are generally defined as products designed or intended for play for children under 14. This excludes toy vehicles, for example, with combustion engines or toy steam engines. Article 5 of the Regulation determines ‘essential safety requirements’ such as avoiding health and safety risks to ‘users or third parties when used as intended or in a foreseeable way’*. Warning labels and instructions for use are required to inform users of ‘inherent hazards and risks of harm involved in using the toys, and of ways to avoid such hazards and risks.’* General and specific warnings as well as necessary precautions are documented in article 20 of the regulation, e.g. for toys not intended for use by children under 36 months, or for activity, chemical and aquatic toys. Article 7 adds that ‘toys in conformity with harmonized standards’* (e.g. the BS 71 series and EN 62115 standards) shall be presumed to comply with the essential safety requirements.’* Article 12 additionally requires manufacturers to carry out safety assessments, before placing toys on the market. Different requirements may apply in Northern Ireland. TÜV Rheinland is accredited to conduct EU Type- Examinations and a UK Approved Body for the UK Toys (Safety) Regulations. Make use of our long-term experience in toy testing and -certification for conformity with the Regulation (EU) 2009/48 ‘Toy Safety Directive’ as well as other regional or local safety regulations and standards. Source: ‘Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011’ Contact our experts for a quote!