Non European Toy Directive 88/378/EEC Manufacturers

The European Commissions’ directive concerning the safety of toys, 88/378/EEC, has been in force since 1 January 1990. The Toy Safety Directive (TSD), as it is commonly called, is designed to protect consumer health for users and 3rd parties who may not use the “same degree of care as the average adult user”, specifically children under the age of 14. (European Directive 88/378/EEC).

Toy Safety Directive 88/378/EC identifies 6 areas that are a common source of danger. The areas include: Physical & Mechanical Properties, Flammability, Chemical Properties, Electrical Properties, Hygiene, and Radioactivity. Before a product can be certified as safe to enter the European Market, it must meet the requirements set out in the directive in each of the six areas. Toys is the category for which the most notifications of injury take place and consequently the TSD empowers the EU Member States to take any necessary action in regards to a toy that might cause injury.

Such as:

an entire ban and recall where a “serious risk requiring rapid action” is identified
information regarding such actions may be available to the general public
ban on exporting the product from the EU to third party countries

How does Toy Safety Directive 88/378/EC affect a Non-European Manufacturer?

Manufacturers, as well as distributors, are now legally obligated to ensure that their products reside within the bounds of the Toy Safety Directive requirements and will be held responsible for not doing so. This includes informing the authorities about potentially hazardous affects of the toy, failure to do so can result in tracing your product to remove it from the market.

Obelis European Authorized Representative Center (O.E.A.R.C.)

comprised of a team of regulatory experts who maintain the latest communication and changes regarding the TSD and other EU Directives that directly apply to your product. We maintain continual communication with the Competent Authorities and can keep you immediately informed of any information applicable to your product(s). We can assist you in introducing or maintaining your products circulation within the EU and guide you through the regulatory maze of product safety and requirements. We are located at walking distance from the EU Headquarters, maintaining close and personal relations with the EU Administration. Obelis (O.E.A.R.C.) is backed by 16 years, giving Commercial, Regulatory, Administration, and Market Development services.

Last updated Apr 22, 2009

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