The Commission of the European Union (EU) has set limits for the use of formaldehyde in different toy materials.
Published in November in the Official Journal of the European Union, Commission Directive (EU) 2019/1929 amends Appendix C of Annex II of Directive 2009/48/EC regarding limits of chemicals used in certain toys. Specifically, 2019/1929 sets limits on the use of formaldehyde in: 1) polymeric toy material; 2) resin-bonded wood toy material; 3) textile toy material; 4) leather toy material; 5) paper toy material; and 6) water-based toy material.
According to the Directive, the decision to set limits on the use of formaldehyde in various toy materials was based on “available scientific evidence,” and “recommendations of the Expert Group on Toys Safety and its subgroup Chemicals.”
The new limits take effect on 21 May 2021. EU Member States have until that date to adopt and publish laws and regulations to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Directive.
