On 20 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that, as part of the revision of Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 on toy safety (Toy Safety Regulation – TSR), which will replace Directive 2009/48/EC, it will assume new responsibilities aimed at enhancing the safety of toys placed on the EU market.
As of 1 January 2026, with the entry into force of the new Toy Safety Regulation, ECHA has been assigned new tasks designed to improve the protection of children from chemical hazards.
ECHA will work closely with the European Commission, undertaking activities such as:
- assessing the safety of chemical substances used in toys, in cooperation with the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC),
- reviewing applications for derogations from restrictions on certain substances, with the involvement of RAC and the Committee for Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC).
These new responsibilities are intended to ensure that toys available on the EU market — both in physical retail and online — meet more stringent chemical safety requirements.
Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director of Risk Management, emphasised that the Agency will provide “robust scientific assessments and clear recommendations on the safe use of chemicals in toys,” supporting the protection of children’s health across the European Union.
The new regulations strengthen safety standards, product transparency and the accountability of manufacturers and retailers, including in the digital environment.