SVHC in TPR toys: Important information for international wholesale buyers
In today’s globalized toy market, TPR toys are loved by many consumers due to their unique characteristics and wide application. For independent station companies engaged in TPR toy export business, it is crucial to understand the common SVHC (substances of very high concern) in TPR toys. This not only helps to ensure product compliance, but also enhances the competitiveness of products in the international market and meets the requirements of international wholesale buyers for product quality and safety.
1. Introduction to TPR toys
TPR (thermoplastic rubber) is a polymer material with the elasticity of rubber and the easy processing of plastic. It is widely used in toy manufacturing. TPR toys have the advantages of environmental protection, non-toxicity, high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, and not easy to break. Common TPR toys include dolls, animal models, building blocks, bouncy balls, etc.
2. The concept and importance of SVHC
SVHC is a substance of very high concern in the EU REACH regulation, which may cause serious harm to human health or the environment. REACH regulations require that if a product contains SVHC exceeding a certain limit, the company needs to fulfill obligations such as notification, notice, and authorization.
For TPR toy companies, paying attention to SVHC helps:
Comply with regulatory requirements: Avoid risks such as fines, recalls, and sales bans due to product non-compliance with REACH regulations, and ensure smooth sales of products in international markets such as the EU.
Enhance corporate image: Show that the company attaches importance to product quality and safety, enhance the trust of international wholesale buyers in the company, and help establish a long-term and stable partnership.
Protect consumer health: Reduce the potential harm of harmful substances to children and other consumers, and improve product safety and reliability.
3. Common SVHCs in TPR toys and their hazards
(I) Phthalates
Common types: di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), etc.
Hazards: Phthalates are a type of commonly used plasticizers and are widely used in the production of TPR toys. These substances have endocrine disrupting effects, which can affect human hormone levels and cause damage to the reproductive system, nervous system, and immune system. Especially in the process of children’s development, they may affect the development of their reproductive organs and intellectual development.
(II) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Common types: benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, etc.
Hazards: PAHs are a type of organic compound with strong carcinogenicity. They can enter the human body through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion, causing damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs, and may also cause long-term pollution and ecological damage to the environment.
(III) Heavy metals
Common types: lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc.
Hazards: Heavy metals in TPR toys may come from impurities in pigments, additives or raw materials. Lead can cause damage to the human nervous system, blood system and kidneys, especially to children’s intellectual development and behavioral performance; cadmium can accumulate in the human body and have toxic effects on the kidneys and bones; mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, digestive system and immune system; arsenic is carcinogenic and mutagenic, and long-term exposure may cause skin cancer and other diseases.
(IV) Formaldehyde
Hazard: Formaldehyde is a common organic compound that may be used as a cross-linking agent or preservative in the production process of TPR toys. Formaldehyde is irritating to the human respiratory tract, eyes and skin. High concentrations of formaldehyde exposure may cause respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and even induce cancer.
(V) Nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP)
Hazard: Nonylphenol and octylphenol are a class of chemicals with endocrine disrupting effects. They are often used in the production process of plastic products as plasticizers, stabilizers or surfactants. They are highly stable in the environment and easily accumulate through the food chain, posing a potential threat to aquatic organisms and human health, and may affect the normal function of the reproductive system and endocrine system.
4. How to deal with the SVHC problem in TPR toys
(I) Raw material selection
Strictly screen suppliers: Select raw material suppliers with good reputation and quality control system, and require them to provide quality inspection reports and SVHC content certificates of raw materials to ensure that the raw materials meet the requirements of relevant regulations.
Prioritize low-risk materials: In the product design stage, try to choose raw materials that do not contain or have low content of SVHC, such as environmentally friendly plasticizers, pigments without heavy metals, etc., to reduce the risk of SVHC in products from the source.
(II) Production process control
Optimize production process: Improve production technology and process parameters to reduce the use and generation of harmful substances. For example, by adopting advanced molding technology and mold design, improve production efficiency and product quality, while reducing the consumption of raw materials and the generation of waste.
Strengthen quality inspection: Establish a complete production process quality inspection system, strictly inspect raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products, and ensure that products meet quality standards and SVHC limit requirements during the production process. Regularly maintain and optimize production equipment and processes to avoid product quality problems caused by equipment failure or process instability.
(III) Product Certification and Compliance
Obtain relevant certifications: Actively apply for REACH certification, ISO 9001 quality management system certification, ISO 14001 environmental management system certification and other relevant certifications to prove that the company’s products meet international standards and regulatory requirements, and enhance the market competitiveness and credibility of the products.
Follow regulatory trends: Pay attention to the updates and changes of REACH regulations and other relevant regulations in various countries in a timely manner to ensure that the company’s production and operation activities always meet the latest regulatory requirements. Arrange a dedicated person to be responsible for regulatory tracking and interpretation, and organize internal training regularly to improve employees’ awareness and understanding of regulations.
(IV) Communicate and cooperate with international wholesale buyers
Provide detailed information: In the process of cooperation with international wholesale buyers, actively provide them with relevant information such as quality inspection reports, SVHC content information, certification certificates, etc. of TPR toy products, so that they can fully understand the compliance and safety of the products and enhance buyers’ confidence in the products.
Jointly meet challenges: Maintain close communication with international wholesale buyers and jointly explore strategies and measures to deal with SVHC issues. For example, jointly carry out technology research and development, find more environmentally friendly and safer raw materials and production processes; jointly respond to the challenges brought by regulatory changes, and timely adjust product strategies and market layouts.
5. Conclusion
TPR toys have broad prospects in the international market, but the SVHC problem in its products cannot be ignored. Enterprises should attach great importance to the common SVHC in TPR toys, start from raw material selection, production process control, product certification and compliance, and communication and cooperation with international wholesale buyers, take effective measures to reduce SVHC risks, and ensure that the quality and safety of products meet international standards and regulatory requirements. Only in this way can we be invincible in the fierce international market competition, win the trust and recognition of international wholesale buyers, and achieve sustainable development of enterprises.
Post time: Jun-09-2025