N-VA calls for strict oversight of imported toys

The European Parliament has approved a new regulation on toy safety, set to replace the existing 2009 Toy Directive. With this reform, the EU aims to modernise and tighten the rules governing the toy market.“Toys sold in the European market must meet the highest quality standards. Clear rules are essential, but market surveillance and proper enforcement are just as crucial,” says MEP Kris Van Dijck.

 platforms must also be held accountable

The new regulation introduces a range of additional obligations for manufacturers, importers and distributors. These rules will apply uniformly across the EU.

It sets stricter chemical safety standards, improves product traceability, and places greater responsibility on online platforms that sell toys. These platforms will be required to ensure their products comply with EU safety requirements.

Focus on toys from outside the EU

While N-VA fully supports the goal of ensuring toy safety, the party warns against burdening European producers with excessive bureaucracy. After all, quality issues often originate outside the EU.

“The real challenge is to close the loopholes that allow unsafe toys—often from outside the EU, not to say China—to slip through, and to make sure everyone plays by the same high safety standards, in the interest of consumers,” Van Dijck concludes.