EU Restrictions on the use of phthalates in toys
Please note that the restrictions referred to are only those
applicable in the European Union.
 On January 17 2007 permanent
restrictions on the use of phthalate plasticisers in toys came
into effect throughout the European Union.
The phthalate plasticiser most commonly used in toys, Diisononyl
phthalate (DINP), and the two phthalates
diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-n-octyl
phthalate (DNOP) can only be used in toys and
childcare articles that cannot be placed in the mouth.
The phthalate plasticisers di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP - sometimes also referred to a
DOP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
and Butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) will no longer be
allowed in any childrens toys or childcare articles.
The official text reads:
Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) (CAS No 28553-12-0 and 68515-48-0)
(Einecs No 249-079-5 and 271-090-9), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP)
(CAS No 26761-40-0 and 68515-49-1) (Einecs No 247-977-1 and
271-091-4), and (di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) (CAS No 117-84-0)
(Einecs No 204-214-7) shall not be used as substances or as
constituents of preparations, at concentrations of greater than 0,1
% by mass of the plasticised material, in toys and childcare
articles which can be placed in the mouth by children. Such toys
and childcare articles containing these phthalates in a
concentration greater than the limit mentioned above shall not be
placed on the market."
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (CAS No 117-81-7) (Einecs No
204-211-0), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (CAS No 84-74-2) (Einecs No
201-557-4) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) (CAS No 85-68-7)
(Einecs No 201-622-7) Shall not be used as substances or as
constituents of preparations, at concentrations of greater than 0,1
% by mass of the plasticised material, in toys and childcare
articles. Such toys and childcare articles containing these
phthalates in a concentration greater than the limit mentioned
above shall not be placed on the market.
The Complete text of Directive 2005/84/EC of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005
amending for the 22nd time Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the
approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative
provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the
marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations
(phthalates in toys and childcare articles) is available in
all official EU languages.
A "childcare article" means any product intended to facilitate
sleep, relaxation, hygiene, the feeding of children or sucking on
the part of children.
The European Commission has produced a guidance document on the interpretation of the
concept "which can be placed in the mouth."
Until such time as the new regulation comes into force, the
temporary ban on the use of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP in
toys and childcare articles which are designed to be placed in the
mouth by children under the age of three years old continues to
apply. This temporary measure was first introduced in the EU in
December 1999.
Other relevant documents:
More Information:
Please note: This information is intended for guidance only and
while it has been based on the best knowledge currently available,
is to be relied upon at the user’s own risk. The information
is provided in good faith and, while it is accurate as far as the
authors are aware, no representations or warranties are made with
regards to its completeness and no liability will be accepted for
damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use or reliance
on this information
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