Facts: Tips for consumers
Do not buy toys that do not have CE marking, or that appear to be older as there is a risk that they contain substances that are currently banned.
Only buy toys from companies within the EU. Toys from sellers outside the EU are seldom adapted to the safety requirements of the Union.
If a toy you have purchased is recalled, return it to the store.
Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency
The Swedish Chemicals Agency has tested 62 cheap toys from Swedish or EU-based online stores aimed at Swedish consumers. The inspection showed that 40 percent of the toys contained high levels of hazardous substances, including unauthorized levels of lead and cadmium, as well as phthalates and short-chain chlorinated paraffins.
The authority writes in one press release that the substances can be carcinogenic and make it more difficult to have children.
“It is serious that we repeatedly find these dangerous substances in toys on the Swedish market. Children are particularly sensitive and the substances also expose the environment and those who manufacture the toys to risks,” says Karin Rumar, inspector at the Swedish Chemicals Agency in the press release.
Everyone except an online store has withdrawn the toys with the high levels of dangerous substances.
“Outside the EU, it may be permitted to use high levels of hazardous substances in toys and if you import, you must be aware of the rules that apply within the EU. Unfortunately, several of the CE-marked electrical toys contained banned substances, which shows that CE- Labeling does not guarantee that a toy is safe “, says Rumar.