EU Updates Toy Safety Standards Under New Implementing Decision

On Sept. 14, 2026, the European Commission (EC) adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032, amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/740 to update harmonized toy safety standards across the European Union. The decision introduces revised and new standards covering experimental chemistry sets, formamide content in foam toy materials and certain chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants used in toys. The updated framework incorporates the revised standard EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 for chemistry-related toy sets and adds EN 71-15:2025 and EN 71-16:2025, addressing formamide and flame-retardant substances. The Commission concluded that these standards meet the essential safety requirements established under the EU Toy Safety Directive.

Latest update

The European Commission has adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032, updating the list of harmonized standards supporting compliance with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. Effective Sept. 14, 2026, three revised EN 71 standards have been added to the harmonized standards list, providing manufacturers with a presumption of conformity with applicable toy safety requirements when these standards are applied.

New and updated harmonized standards include:

• EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 Safety of Toys – Part 4: Experimental Sets for Chemistry and Related Activities
• EN 71-15:2025 Safety of Toys – Part 15: Formamide in Foam Toy Materials (content)
• EN 71-16:2025 Safety of Toys – Part 16: Certain Chlorinated Phosphorus Flame Retardants (TCEP, TCPP, TDCP) in Toy Materials

The update introduces requirements addressing chemical hazards associated with experimental chemistry sets, formamide in foam toy materials and specific chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants used in toy materials.

Manufacturers should note that EN 71-4:2020 remains listed as a harmonized standard until March 14, 2028. After that date, the previous version will no longer provide a presumption of conformity under the Toy Safety Directive.

Official source

How to achieve conformity

Manufacturers should review affected products, particularly chemistry sets, foam toys and products containing flame-retardant materials, to determine whether existing testing and compliance programs align with the updated standards. Organizations should also prepare for the March 2028 withdrawal of EN 71-4:2020 from the harmonized standards list.

Early evaluation of products against the newly harmonized standards can help identify compliance gaps, support market access objectives and reduce business risk associated with evolving regulatory requirements. Reviewing technical documentation, declarations of conformity, supplier qualification programs and testing plans can also help organizations maintain compliance.

How to navigate compliance with UL Solutions

UL Solutions provides testing, advisory and compliance services for toy manufacturers seeking access to the European market. Our toy safety experts can support organizations with:

• EN 71 testing and assessment
• Chemical compliance evaluations
• Restricted substance testing
• Supplier risk management
• Regulatory monitoring and interpretation
• Technical documentation review

By proactively addressing evolving EN 71 requirements, organizations can help mitigate compliance risks, support uninterrupted market access and strengthen confidence in product compliance.