Directive 2014/79/EU was published in the official journal of the European Union on June 20th 2014. This Directive is aimed at amending Appendix C of Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys, as regards TCEP, TCPP and TDCP.
Specific limit values for chemicals used in toys as of 21st December 2015
Following a stakeholder consultation, the generic limit values of 0.5% and 0.3% referred to byDirective 2009/48/EC appear to be inappropriate for protecting children’s health and brought forth the need to introduce new limitations by the EC.
New limitations on the use of TCEP, TCPP and TDCP
Directive 2009/48/EC establishes general compliance requirements for substances which are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. Such (CMR) substances may not be used in toys, in components of toys or in micro-structurally distinct part of toys.
A good example of such a substance is the substance tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate(TCEP). The use of this substance in the manufacturing of toys has declined over the past few years, being replaced progressively by other flame retardants; however, the presence of TCEP in toys cannot be excluded.
Below is an extract of Directive 2009/48/EC, Annex II, Appendix C:
Future Expectations
As of 21st December 2015 all toys must comply with the new limitation in order to be able to affix the CE marking on them and be granted access to the European Market.
If you would like to know more on the update of the Directive 2009/48/EC, please contact us.