European Union · Toys

Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC in the European Union

A practical guide to Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC for toys sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Products designed or intended for play by children under 14; Toys sold online and through marketplaces

Authority

EU market surveillance authorities

Legal basis

Directive 2009/48/EC

Local representative

Yes — an EU responsible person is required

Timeline

Before market placement

Cost

Assessment and testing costs vary

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, recall, and national penalties

Who needs this

Products designed or intended for play by children under 14
Toys sold online and through marketplaces

Documents you need

Essential safety requirements checklist
Risk assessment
Technical file and declaration of conformity

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Essential safety requirements checklist
Risk assessment
Technical file and declaration of conformity

How to comply

Map the product against the essential safety requirements
Carry out the conformity assessment
Document the assessment and apply CE marking

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC — European Union
Product category: Toys
Authority: EU market surveillance authorities
Legal basis: Directive 2009/48/EC

Documents we already have:
  1. Essential safety requirements checklist
  2. Risk assessment
  3. Technical file and declaration of conformity

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before market placement.

Assessment and testing costs vary.

Common rejection reasons

Product outside the toy definition but sold as a toy
Chemical limits not verified
Warnings and instructions missing

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.