Why do Manufacturers require a European Authorised Representative?
Legal background
The EU and UK have some of the world’s strictest toy safety regulations, particularly regarding chemical content and product safety. All toys, whether sold online or in-store, must comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC in the EU and the Toys (Safety) Regulations in the UK. Manufacturers are legally responsible for assessing product safety, maintaining technical documentation, and conducting post-market surveillance.
Failure to comply can result in serious consequences, including:
- Customs blocks, product recalls, or total market bans.
- Public notifications via RAPEX (EU rapid alert system).
- Fines, warehousing fees, and forced destruction of non-compliant goods.
- Damaged brand reputation and lost consumer trust.
Our services
EU toys representation: Regulatory Support to Launch your Toys in Europe and UK
Obelis offers end-to-end regulatory support to verify that your toys enter and remain in the EU and UK markets legally and successfully. As your Authorised Representative in the European Union and in the United Kingdom, we will:
- Guide you through the EU Toy Safety Directive and UK Regulations, ensuring your products are correctly classified and compliant.
- Support in compiling the technical documentation and safety assessment.
- Maintain your Declaration of Conformity and technical file for 10 years after the product is placed on the market.
- Monitor regulatory changes, provide post-market surveillance support, and help you react to authority requests.
- Represent your brand to EU and UK Competent Authorities, minimising the impact of any compliance issues and ensuring professional communication.
With our trusted EU toys representation, you gain a reliable compliance partner, safeguarding both children and your business reputation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC is the core EU legislation regulating the safety of toys sold within the European Union. It defines essential health and safety requirements for toys, covering everything from physical and mechanical properties to chemical composition and labeling. The directive aims to protect children from risks associated with toy use and sets clear responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
To legally place a toy on the EU market, manufacturers must compile a comprehensive technical file that includes product specifications, safety assessments, and supporting test reports. A Declaration of Conformity confirming compliance with the directive is also required, along with CE marking visibly displayed on the toy or its packaging. In addition, the toy must include all required labeling, such as safety warnings, age suitability, and manufacturer contact details. All documentation must be retained for at least 10 years and made available to EU market authorities upon request.
Working with Obelis means gaining a strategic partner with over three decades of experience in EU regulatory compliance. We provide a proactive approach to regulatory support, ensuring your toy products meet all applicable safety and labeling requirements before they reach the market. Our team offers personalized guidance throughout the process, streamlining documentation, validating labels, and helping you navigate any regulatory challenges with confidence and clarity. This minimizes delays, reduces risk, and positions your brand for long-term success in the European market.
Obelis supports toy manufacturers at every step of the CE marking journey. We help determine the relevant EU harmonized standards your toy must meet, guide you through risk assessments, and assist with the preparation of a compliant Declaration of Conformity. We also review your labeling and packaging to ensure that the CE mark is correctly applied and all safety information is accurate and complete. With A Free Sales Certificate (FSC) confirms that the manufacturer’s devices bear the CE marking and are authorised for sale within the European Union market. Obelis as your compliance partner, you can bring your toys to the EU market with peace of mind, knowing every regulatory detail has been addressed.
