The presence of phthalates in toys from third countries

Question for written answer  E-000078/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Cindy Franssen (PPE)

High levels of phthalates are regularly found in toys on the European market[1], despite the hormone-disrupting effect of these substances. These toys often originate from third countries, such as China. Although the European limit values are not respected, these toys find their way onto the European market none the less.

Restrictions already exist at European level for certain phthalates[2]. Some Member States, such as Denmark, have gone even further[3].

As part of its Sustainable Chemicals Strategy[4], in 2022 the Commission is planning a revision of Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys.

• 1.How will the Commission ensure that toys that do not comply with EU legislation do not enter the European market through imports?
• 2.Will the Commission also re-evaluate the existing standards for phthalates in toys and, if necessary, make them stricter?
• 3.Will the Commission extend the restrictions to other phthalates with a view to achieving a uniform approach for all Member States, with the protection of public health being the main objective?

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumers_safety/safety_products/rapex/alerts/?event=viewProduct&reference=A12/01753/20&lng=nl
• [2] Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Annex XVII, entries 51 and 52).
• [3] https://eng.mst.dk/chemicals/chemicals-in-products/legal-framework-for-managing-chemicals/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-phthalates-in-toys-and-childcare-articles/
• [4] COM(2020) 667 final.