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European Parliament wants new toy safety standards

Wednesday, 12 November 2008

European Parliament wants new toy safety standards

The European Parliament is calling for improved toy safety standards to be introduced, which means that the new proposals could become new EU laws sooner rather than later.

The new rules cover proposed bans on chemicals that can cause cancer or genetic changes, as well as for allergenic fragrances and parts of toys that can choke children.

At present nearly 80% of toys on sale in Europe have been imported from China, and yet millions of Chinese-made toys had to be recalled last year amidst safety fears.

MEP Arlene McCarthy chairs the European Parliament's internal market and consumer protection committee, and on Thursday backing was voiced for toy safety standards to be improved when she claimed that the current rules were 20 years old and out of date.

The MEPs want to act on the new toy safety rules as soon as possible and a full vote in the European Parliament is expected to take place on 16 December.

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