SG 080.22
The UK has amended its chemical requirements for toy safety. The provisions will be implemented in phases, starting October 15, 2022.
On June 16, 2022, the United Kingdom (UK) issued SI 2022 No. 659 to amend its Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 (UK SI 2011 No. 1881, the Toys Regulations) and the Cosmetics Regulations 1223/2009, as applicable in Great Britain (GB – England, Wales and Scotland).
The latest revision contains several important changes to chemical safety in toys for GB. It:
- Expands the number of allergenic fragrances from 55 entries to 58 entries by adding atranol (CAS 526-37-4), chloroatranol (CAS 57074-21-2) and methyl heptine carbonate (CAS 111-12-6) (Schedule 2, Part 3, Point 11, Table 1). The presence of these prohibited allergenic fragrances is allowed if they are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice (GMP) and each fragrance is no more than 100 mg/kg
- Deletes methyl heptine carbonate (Schedule 2, Part 3, Point 11, Table 2) as this substance is now repositioned to Table 1
- Strengthens the migration of aluminum 2.5-fold for all three categories of toy materials (Schedule 2, Part 3, Point 13, see Table 1 below)
- Restricts aniline and formaldehyde in certain toys/toy materials (Schedule 2, Appendix C, see Table 2 below)
The above further aligns GB’s chemical requirements on toy safety with those in Directive 2009/48/EC (Toy Safety Directive, TSD) in the European Union. It is interesting to note that the UK has not implemented the 61 new entries of allergenic fragrances from Directive (EU) 2020/2088 into UK law for toys for GB in this amendment (SafeGuardS 188/20).
According to UK SI 2022 No. 659, there are two important effective dates for toys:
- October 15, 2022, for provisions other than those specified below
- December 15, 2022, for the migration of aluminum as well as requirements for aniline and formaldehyde
Toys that are compliant and placed on the market before the effective dates in the latest revision may remain on the market until stocks are exhausted.
Highlights of the requirements for aluminum, aniline and formaldehyde are in Tables 1 and 2
| Point 13 under Part 3 of Schedule 2 Migration Limit for Aluminum | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | ||||
| Category I (Dry, brittle, powder like or pliable) | Category II (Liquid or sticky) | Category III (Scraped-off) | ||
| The Toys Regulations | 5,625 mg/kg | 1,406 mg/kg | 70,000 mg/kg | In force |
| UK SI 2022 No. 659 ‘The Toys and Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2022’ amending the Toys Regulations | 2,250 mg/kg | 560 mg/kg | 28,130 mg/kg | December 15, 2022 |
Table 1
| UK SI 2022 No. 659 ‘Toys and Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2022’ amending The Toys (Safety) Regulations, Schedule 2, Part 3, Point 13 ‘Toys intended for children under 36 months or other toys intended to be placed in the mouth’ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Substance | Unless otherwise Stated, Requirement is Total Content of Substance | Effective Date |
| Aniline |
| December 15, 2022 |
| Formaldehyde |
| |
Table 2
Definitions and examples of toy materials
| Toy Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Category I: Dry, brittle, powder-like or pliable |
|
| Category II: Liquid or sticky toy |
|
| Category III: Scraped-off |
|
SGS can help you to sell and distribute your toys internationally. As a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, we have the regulatory knowledge and industry expertise to assess your products and ensure they meet the relevant requirements for sale and distribution in different global markets. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website.
For inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
t: (+852) 2774 7420
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