TPR toys are exported to the EU, and you must pay attention to these chemical substances in the REACH regulations!
In today’s globalized business environment, TPR toys have been favored by the international market due to their unique characteristics and wide application areas. Especially for international wholesale buyers, it is crucial to choose TPR toys that meet strict safety standards. As one of the most important toy consumer markets in the world, the EU market has strict requirements for chemical substances in TPR toys under the REACH regulations. This article will explore in depth the chemical substances that need special attention in TPR toys under the REACH regulations to help sellers better understand the regulatory requirements and ensure that the products enter the EU market smoothly.
1. Overview of REACH regulations
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is a chemical management regulation implemented by the European Union on June 1, 2007. The regulation aims to protect human health and the environment and ensure the safety of chemicals during production, use and circulation. According to the REACH regulations, all chemicals and their products entering the EU market, including TPR toys, need to meet a series of complex compliance requirements.
2. REACH Chemicals that Need Special Attention in TPR Toys
1. Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
SVHC refers to chemical substances that are carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive toxic (CMR), persistent cumulative toxic (PBT/vPvB) or endocrine disrupting. As of 2025, the SVHC list has been updated to more than 240 items. If the content of a certain SVHC in TPR toys exceeds 0.1% (by weight), the company must provide sufficient information to downstream users and consumers to ensure the safe use of the substance; if the total annual export volume exceeds 1 ton, it must also notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
For example, some plasticizers used in the production of TPR toys may be listed as SVHC. These plasticizers can increase the flexibility and plasticity of TPR materials, but if they contain SVHC, they may cause harm to human health and the environment.
2. Annex XVII Restricted Substances
Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation lists chemical substances that are prohibited or restricted in articles produced or imported into the EU. Here are some restricted substances related to TPR toys:
Heavy metals: such as lead, cadmium, mercury, etc. These metals are often used in additives such as pigments and stabilizers, but they are toxic and can cause damage to children’s nervous system, kidney function, etc. For example, the migration limit of lead will be reduced from 23.5mg/kg to 8.5mg/kg from January 2025.
Phthalates: This type of substance is often used as a plasticizer, but some phthalates are considered to be harmful to the reproductive system and endocrine system. For toys for children under 3 years old, 6 phthalates are usually required to be tested, and their content must not exceed the prescribed limit.
Azo dyes: Some azo dyes may release carcinogenic aromatic amines after contact with human skin. Therefore, textile components in TPR toys, such as packaging, labels, etc., need to ensure that they do not contain banned azo dyes.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): This is a class of carcinogenic chemicals that may be present in the production process of TPR materials. Some EU countries require TPR toys to be PAHs-free.
Nonylphenol (NP): Nonylphenol is an environmental hormone that is potentially harmful to humans and aquatic organisms. Some customers will require that TPR toys do not contain NP.
3. Strategies to ensure that TPR toys comply with REACH regulations
1. Select qualified raw material suppliers
Enterprises should cooperate with raw material suppliers with good reputation and quality control system, and require suppliers to provide detailed material composition information and compliance statements to ensure that the purchased TPR raw materials and additives comply with REACH regulations.
2. Conduct strict quality inspections
During the production process, enterprises need to conduct strict quality inspections on TPR toys, including the inspection of the above-mentioned SVHC and Annex XVII restricted substances. Third-party laboratories with CNAS/CMA qualifications can be commissioned to conduct inspections to ensure the chemical safety of the products.
3. Establish a sound supply chain management system
Enterprises should establish a sound supply chain management system, strictly control all links such as raw material procurement, production and processing, and product packaging, and ensure that all suppliers understand and comply with the requirements of REACH regulations. At the same time, the supply chain should be audited and evaluated regularly to timely identify and resolve potential problems.
4. Pay attention to regulatory updates
REACH regulations will be continuously updated and improved. Enterprises should pay attention to the latest developments of regulations in a timely manner to understand the newly added restricted substances and the changing limit requirements. You can regularly check the official website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) or subscribe to professional regulatory information services to ensure that the company’s compliance work is always in sync with the regulations.
4. The importance of regulatory compliance to TPR toy companies
Market access: Compliance with REACH regulations is a basic requirement for TPR toys to enter the EU market. By ensuring product compliance, companies can avoid risks such as product recalls, fines, and even market bans due to violations of regulations, thereby ensuring stable sales and business development in the EU market.
Enhance brand image: Strict compliance with regulations reflects the company’s emphasis on product quality and safety, which helps to enhance brand image and market competitiveness. International wholesale buyers prefer to cooperate with companies that can provide compliant products because this can reduce their procurement risks and safeguard their commercial interests.
Protect consumer health and the environment: The core purpose of REACH regulations is to protect human health and the environment. By controlling the harmful chemicals in TPR toys, companies can ensure that consumers will not be harmed by these substances during the use of products, while reducing pollution to the environment and achieving sustainable development.
5. Conclusion
For companies engaged in the export of TPR toys to the EU, it is crucial to understand and comply with the requirements of the REACH regulations on chemical substances. From paying attention to SVHC and Annex XVII restricted substances, to selecting qualified raw material suppliers, conducting strict quality inspections, establishing a sound supply chain management system, and paying attention to the dynamic updates of regulations, every link requires companies to attach great importance and careful management. Only in this way can companies ensure the smooth sales of TPR toys in the EU market, win the trust and recognition of international wholesale buyers, and achieve sustainable business success. At the same time, it is hoped that the entire industry can work together to promote the TPR toy industry to a more environmentally friendly, safe and high-quality direction, and provide global consumers with better and more reliable products.
Post time: Jun-06-2025