Toy Safety Directive

The Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) was adopted by the European Parliament on 18 December 2008 and the final text was formally adopted and published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) on 30 June 2009. The Directive came into force in two stages; on 20 July 2011, and on 20 July 2013 for the chemical requirements.

A series of guides have been produced by the BTHA to help members and other stakeholders understand their obligations under the Directive. The guides have been made as short and simple as possible to be practical for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The guides should always be read in conjunction with the Directive. Other EU Commission guides are also available on the Europa website and these should also be read in conjunction with BTHA information. The “blue guide” should also be read in conjunction with these documents as it contains more detail concerning certain aspects e.g., the free movement of goods.

Revision of the Toy Safety Directive – Fact Sheet

The Toy Safety Directive has been undergoing changes for some time. The text of those changes is still in draft form and still being debated by EU decision makers. It is likely a final draft will be available in mid-2024. In the meantime, the BTHA has produced a fact sheet to keep members up to date on the progress and types of changes being proposed.

Revision of the Toy Safety Directive – Fact Sheet (November 2023)

Toy Safety Directive – BTHA Guides

1. Introduction to the Toy Safety Directive
2. Obligations of Economic Operators
3. Technical Documentation
4. Markings & Warnings
5. Conformity of Series Production
6. Safety Assessments
7. Product Monitoring
8. Conformity Assessments