The European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment has released the second edition of its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in August 2026, offering critical clarifications as the regulation's general application date of 12 August 2026, officially takes effect. This updated release delivers essential guidance on the immediate enforcement of PFAS restrictions in food-contact packaging, highlighting a recommended three-step testing protocol starting with a Total Fluorine screen of 50 mg/kg and confirming that no transitional period exists for exhausting non-compliant stocks placed on the market after the application date. Furthermore, the FAQ provides crucial distinctions for economic operators by delineating the role of the manufacturer, who is solely responsible for design conformity and technical documentation, from the producer, who handles national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration and waste management funding. It also clarifies compliance pathways for upcoming 2030 milestones, including packaging minimisation calculations, the 50% empty space ratio for transport and e-commerce packaging, and the upcoming harmonised waste sorting labels.
For more information about PPWR, consult the European Commission website here.
From 27 September 2026, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1960 of 25 September 2025 will apply, establishing the design and content of the harmonised label for commercial guarantees of durability under Directive (EU) 2019/771. The Regulation provides for a harmonised label to be used where a producer offers a commercial guarantee of durability for a product at no additional cost, covering the entire product and lasting for more than two years. The label indicates that the product benefits from a commercial guarantee of durability and includes information on the duration of the guarantee and a QR code giving access to information on the guarantee. The Regulation applies from 27 September 2026 and is intended to provide consumers with a harmonised way of identifying products covered by such guarantees across the EU.
On 11 August 2026, the European Commission published a draft directive proposing significant amendments to Annex II of the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC), introducing stricter controls on several chemicals used in toys. Key proposed changes are:
Lilial to be Prohibited in Toys
Under the proposal, Lilial (CAS No. 80-54-6) would be removed from the list of substances allowed in toys subject to labelling requirements and transferred to the list of prohibited substances. The change reflects the substance's classification as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant, which has applied since March 2022.
Stricter BPA Migration Limit
The proposal would significantly reduce the migration limit for bisphenol A (BPA) from 0.04 mg/L to 0.005 mg/L, following the updated scientific assessment published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2023, which substantially lowered the tolerable daily intake for BPA. Testing would be conducted in accordance with the new EN 71-19:2025 standard.
Updated Requirements for Phenol and BIT
Same limits but removing reference to EN 71-10 and EN 71-11, since there are now new standards for these (EN 71-17 and EN 71-18).
The draft also updates references to harmonised toy testing standards by replacing the older EN 71-10 and EN 71-11 methods with the newly published EN 71-17, EN 71-18, and EN 71-19 standards.
According to the draft schedule, the directive is expected to enter into force during Q4 2026. Following publication, EU Member States would have 12 months to transpose the requirements into national legislation, with the new provisions becoming applicable 12 months after publication.
The proposal is currently open for public consultation until 10 October 2026.
On 20 July 2026, the European Commission officially launched the Digital Product Passport (DPP) Registry, marking a major milestone in the implementation of the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781). The new registry will serve as the central platform for managing Digital Product Passports across a range of product categories placed on the European market.
The Digital Product Passport Registry is designed to support the EU's transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy by enabling product-specific information to be stored and accessed throughout a product's lifecycle. Under the ESPR framework, economic operators will be required to register Digital Product Passports for products falling within sectors covered by future DPP requirements.
The registry is expected to improve transparency regarding product composition, sustainability performance, repairability, recyclability, and other environmental characteristics, facilitating compliance and supporting informed decision-making across supply chains.
According to information released following the launch, the system has been designed to support several priority product groups, including:
These sectors are among those expected to be progressively subject to Digital Product Passport obligations as implementing measures are adopted under the ESPR framework.
On 6 August 2026, the European Commission launched an initiative to establish harmonised rules for national producer registers under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The proposal aims to create standardised registration and reporting requirements for packaging producers across the European Union, reducing administrative burdens and improving the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.
The draft implementing rules introduce a common EU approach covering:
The proposal also requires registers to distinguish between different packaging waste management systems operating within Member States where applicable. Producers participating in multiple systems may need to report packaging data separately for each scheme.
The table below summarises recent publications on European Commission initiatives related to eco-design and sustainability for consumer products:
| Date | Title |
| 14 August 2026 | Packaging and packaging waste – sustainability criteria for plastic recycling technologies These criteria will help ensure that recycled plastic used in packaging provides the greatest possible environmental benefits. The feedback period of public consultation was closed on the 16 September 2026, and Commission adoption is planned for the fourth quarter 2026. |
| 14 August 2026 | Plastic packaging – harmonisation of rules for calculating and verifying recycled content in plastic packaging This act will ensure uniform rules for implementing the requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging The feedback period of public consultation was closed on the 16 September 2026, and Commission adoption is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. |
| 14 August 2026 | Packaging and packaging waste – conditions for importing recycled materials into the EU for use in packaging This act will set up methodological rules to ensure that plastic materials collected or recycled in non-EU countries are assessed, verified and certified in a way that is equivalent to the system in place in the EU for such materials. The feedback period of public consultation was closed on the 16 September 2026, and Commission adoption is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. |
France has taken a historic step to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile industry with the promulgation of Law No. 2026-602 on 8 July 2026, targeting "ultra-fast fashion" head-on.
This legislation defines ultra-fast fashion as industrial and commercial practices characterised by marketing a high volume of new product references with minimal incentives for repair, which ultimately shortens the products' usable lifespans.
To dismantle this model, the law institutes a strict advertising ban starting January 1, 2027, which completely prohibits advertisements for these products and brands, including the promotional use of the word "free" and bans commercial influencers from promoting ultra-fast fashion, backing this up with administrative fines of up to €100,000. Online marketplaces must now prominently display the manufacturing locations of garments right next to the price tag in an equal font size, while also displaying clear, legible messages that encourage sobriety, repair, and recycling. On the financial side, ultra-fast fashion producers are stripped of certain corporate donation tax reductions and face a steep, sliding scale of EPR financial penalties per product, starting between €0.25 and €12 in 2026, and escalating to between €2 and €20 by 2030, with a portion of these contributions directly funding domestic collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure.
Businesses placing professional packaging on the French market are being urged to prepare for new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations that will take effect on 1 January 2027. To support compliance, there is the option to join to a state-approved, non-profit, Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). The PRO has launched its membership program for companies subject to the new requirements.
From 1 January 2027, EPR requirements will apply to professional packaging in France. A producer placing professional-use packaging on the French market will be legally required to contribute financially to the collection, sorting, and recycling of packaging waste.
Belgium
Belgium tightens rules on environmental claims and green marketing
On 4 August 2026, Belgium adopted new legislation aimed at combating greenwashing and strengthening consumer protection against misleading environmental and sustainability claims. The new law, Numac: 2026005912, will enter into force on 27 September 2026, implementing the requirements of EU Directive 2024/825 on empowering consumers for the green transition.
Under the new rules, businesses will be prohibited from using:
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, brands, and digital-service providers marketing products in Belgium will need to ensure that all environmental claims are supported by robust evidence.
On 23 July 2026, the Swedish government adopted a landmark national action plan to combat the widespread environmental and health threats posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), highly persistent "forever chemicals" linked to serious conditions such as cancer and impaired immune systems. Choosing to move ahead of slower, upcoming European Union restrictions, Sweden has proposed a pioneering national ban targeting non-essential PFAS in everyday consumer products, specifically clothing, shoes, impregnation agents, kitchen utensils, cosmetics, and ski wax, which is stated to take effect on 1 January 2028.
Sweden proposes to use the same thresholds as those being discussed in the EU-Wide PFAS restriction under REACH:
For kitchenware, the limits apply to food-contact parts.
Supported by an immediate 85 million SEK budget allocation for cleanup and pilot remediation projects in 2026, the government’s multi-pronged strategy establishes six strategic focus areas to map chemical flows, enhance human and environmental monitoring, and accelerate technical development for soil and water decontamination before a scheduled national review on 1 October 2029.
Switzerland has adopted significant amendments to its legislation governing food contact materials (FCMs) and articles, strengthening alignment with recent European regulatory developments and updating technical requirements for plastics, inks, coatings, and recycled materials. The changes were introduced through Ordinance RO 2026 374 (available in French, German and Italian), published by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) on 8 July 2026.
The main changes are:
The amended requirements took effect on 1 August 2026. Businesses operating in Switzerland should assess their product portfolios and compliance documentation to ensure a smooth transition.
On 11 July 2026, the Turkish Ministry of Trade adopted new communiqués amending import inspections. The amendments were introduced through the following Product Safety Inspection Communiqués:
Toys (Communiqué 2026/38)
The regulation updates GTIP (HS Code) classifications and product descriptions for entries 28-49 in Annex 1, which lists products subject to import inspections under the Toy Safety Regulation.
Consumer Products (Communiqué 2026/39)
The amendment replaces an existing entry in Annex 1 with HS code 3215.90.70.00.12 covering tattoo inks, bringing this product category within the updated inspection framework.
Maternity and Baby Products (Communiqué 2026/40)
All three communiqués entered into force on 11 July 2026, meaning the updated import inspection requirements are already applicable to affected products entering Türkiye.
On 6 July 2026, the UK Government launched a Call for Evidence on toy safety. The Call for Evidence will examine a range of issues affecting toy safety, with particular attention to AI-enabled toys, changing consumer purchasing habits, and chemical safety concerns. The Government is seeking input from parents, consumer organizations, businesses, enforcement authorities, and other stakeholders to help shape future regulatory approaches. The consultation period will remain open until 6 October 2026.
By reviewing existing toy safety regulations, the UK Government aims to ensure that children continue to be protected from emerging risks while providing businesses with greater regulatory clarity and supporting innovation in the toy sector.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve product safety across the UK.
On 8 September 2026, the UK Government adopted The Toys (Safety) (Permitted Uses for Cobalt) (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026 No. 986), introducing targeted exemptions that allow the use of cobalt in certain toy applications in Great Britain. The new regulations will enter into force on 8 March 2027.
The legislation amends the existing Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 by adding cobalt to the list of Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic (CMR) substances that may be permitted in specific applications where safety has been demonstrated. The UK Secretary of State concluded that sufficient scientific evidence exists to show that the identified uses of cobalt present a tolerable level of risk, particularly considering expected exposure levels.
Under the new regulation, cobalt will be permitted in the following toy applications:
The regulation recognises cobalt as a substance classified as Carcinogenic Category 1B (Carc 1B), Mutagenic Category 2 (Muta 2) and Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B (Repr 1B).
On 27 July 2026, the UK Government published a Call for Evidence on Digital Product Records (DPRs), seeking views and evidence to inform whether and how a DPR policy could be developed in Great Britain, including views on existing approaches, potential benefits and challenges, and the implications for businesses. The call considers the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) as an existing approach, while noting that Great Britain does not currently have a determined approach to DPRs. Under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Regulation (EU) 2024/1781, the EU has established a legal framework for Digital Product Passports, with specific requirements to be introduced for products through relevant EU legislation. The UK Government is therefore seeking evidence on the potential design and implementation of a UK approach and its interaction with international systems, with responses due by 11:59pm on 21 September 2026.
On 11 August 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register titled, "Substances Generally Recognized as Safe". If finalised, this rule would end the ability to market food and food-contact substances based on a self-determined GRAS conclusion without notifying the FDA. Companies could still reach their own GRAS conclusions but would now be required to report the basis for that conclusion to the agency. This affects food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and food-contact material producers alike. The proposed rule converts the current voluntary GRAS notification procedure into a mandatory notification framework, mandates electronic filings, expands the Threshold of Regulation (TOR) exemption, and provides a time-limited streamlined submission pathway for substances currently on the market.
This is a Proposed Rule, not a final rule. Current voluntary GRAS regulations remain fully in effect. If finalised, the FDA proposes a mandatory compliance date of 18 months after the effective date of the final rule. Public comments are due 9 December 2026.
On 7 July 2026, Health Canada published a Notice of Intent signaling a proposed regulatory initiative to amend the Children's Sleepwear Regulations (CSR) under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), the first substantive review of these requirements since 1987.
This is a pre-consultation / Notice of Intent, an early procedural stage, not yet a formal proposed regulation. The feedback Health Canada receives now will inform whether Health Canada proceeds to a cost-benefit analysis and eventual pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I, which would open a further, separate consultation period before anything is finalised. The current comment window runs from 7 July – 14 September 2026.
The CSR scope covers flammability and toxicity (flame-retardant treatment) requirements for children's sleepwear up to size 14X. The proposal would expand the scope to explicitly capture loungewear, sleep sacks, and wearable swaddles, categories that have grown substantially in the market since the Regulations were last amended.
For more information, consult the guidelines for the flammability requirements of Children’s Sleepwear Regulations in the Government of Canada website here.
On 29 June 2026, Brazil enacted new legislation introducing stricter controls on lead content in paints and similar surface coating materials. The new requirements were established through Law No. 15.441 of 26 June 2026.
Under the new law, paints and similar surface coatings placed on the Brazilian market must contain less than 90 ppm (parts per million) of lead, measured based on the dry paint film weight or the total non-volatile content of the paint.
The legislation provides limited exceptions for certain industrial and marine coatings, which may contain up to 600 ppm of lead when used in:
The new law replaces Law No. 11.762 of 1 August 2008, which previously regulated lead content in paints in Brazil.
On 19 August 2026, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) published a new edition of toys total heavy metal content, ISO 8124-5:2026 Safety of toys Part 5: Determination of total concentration of certain elements in toys.
This standard specifies methods of sampling and analysing the total concentration of the elements Antimony (Sb), Arsenic(As), Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Selenium (Se) from toy materials and from parts of toys.
Digestion methods for the elements mentioned above are specified for the following types of toy materials:
The standard didn’t specify the digestion methods for glass, ceramic and other siliceous materials or fluorinated polymers or fluorinated polymer coatings. The total heavy metal content of these materials is not covered by this standard.
The standard also describes the screening determination method for the certain heavy metal above by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry.
It should be noted that this standard did not describe the testing process of the element Boron (B) under ISO 8124-3:2020/Amd.1:2023 for toy’s material “Modelling clay and putty, Slime”, total Boron content is not no covered by this standard as well.
On 4 September 2026, the New Zealand MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/NZL/159) that MBIE is consulting on a draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026, which proposes to introduce mandatory asbestos testing requirements for certain consumer sand products.
Consumer products containing sand, including:
Indicative ICS codes:
The draft notice would declare certain toys containing sand and decorative, craft or artistic goods containing accessible sand to be unsafe goods unless prescribed asbestos testing requirements have been met.
The notice clarifies that to demonstrate compliance, suppliers would be required to:
The measure is intended as an interim requirement pending development of longer-term product safety regulation addressing asbestos contamination in consumer sand products.
The notice would not apply to sand produced by natural geological processes that are intended to fill sand pits, playgrounds, or other recreational areas.
Interested parties are now welcome to submit opinions and suggestions to the MBIE by 5 pm on 25 September 2026.
MBIE encourages respondents to use the submission template: Submission template: Draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026
On 1 July 2026, the New Zealand MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) notified that the government is modernizing its safety standards for toys marketed to children under the age of 3.
According to the Government's press, three toy safety standards will be recognised in New Zealand:
Currently, AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2002 is the only mandatory standard for Children toys as per the Product Safety Standards (Children's Toys) Regulations 2005, although this standard is outdated, with the latest version being made in 2023 as AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2023, it causes the regulations to lag behind those in Australia.
The European and American standards provide a comparable level of safety to the Australia/New Zealand joint standard. Recognising these standards will not reduce the level of safety of toys entering New Zealand. Once in place, toys that comply with any of these standards can be sold in New Zealand.
An exposure draft of the updated regulations will be released for consultation. Subject to final decisions, suppliers will then be given a six-month transition period to move to the updated requirements.
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source: “Safety Gate (RAPEX)”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”).
Safety Gate (RAPEX) (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 57 alerts regarding toys, childcare articles and children's equipment products were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Chemical | 12 | Balloons The balloons release an excessive amount of nitrosatable substances. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the European standard EN 71-12. |
| 1 | Soft toys The product has an excessive concentration of benzene. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. |
|
| 1 | Modelling clay set The product contains a mixture of the preservatives methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-10 and EN 71-11. |
|
| 1 | Children's backpack The product contains formaldehyde. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
| 1 | Fidget toy set The rate of nickel release is too high. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
| 1 | Bath toy set The plastic material of the product has an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
| 1 | Doll The toy has an excessive concentration of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with the REACH Regulation. |
|
| 4 | Plasic doll The toy has an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
|
| 2 | Toy slime The migration of boron from the toy slime is too high. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-3. |
|
| Chemical, Choking | 1 | Light-up toy figurine The toy's battery compartment opens easily without tools, making the button batteries inside easily accessible. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 62115. |
| Chemical, Environment | 1 | Squeeze toy The toy has an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) Additionally, the product has an excessive concentration of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation nor with the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) Regulation. |
| Choking, Strangulation | 1 | Soft toy The toys' ears are too long. Moreover, the fibrous stuffing material of the toy is easily accessible due to the weakness of the seams. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
| Choking | 1 | Puzzle mat The puzzle mat pieces can easily break while a child is playing, generating small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
| 1 | Balloons The balloon contains small parts (the lip in the neck of the balloon and the confetti inside) that can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 1 | Toy pencil case The product has small parts (the pullers of the zipper) that can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 1 | Bath toy set The toy has small parts (the green plastic pipe connection) that can easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 1 | Key ring with soft toy The product has small parts that can easily detach (keychain ring and orange "fruit" on top of the capybara's head). The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 1 | Soft toy with keyring The toy breaks easily releasing small parts (the ring and the links of the keychain). The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 1 | Soother The nipple of the soother could break, potentially generating small parts. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation nor with EN 1400. |
|
| 4 | Plastic toy The toy breaks easily releasing small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 2 | Soft toy The product has small parts (plastic muzzle and eye) that may easily detach. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 7 | Squeeze toy The toy contains small parts. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| 2 | Teething toy The product has a protruding part that is too long. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
|
| Drowning, Injuries | 1 | Inflatable swim seat The product presents a serious risk of injuries as it is supplied with an attachable canopy. In windy conditions, the canopy could cause the product to lift from the water. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation. |
| Entrapment | 1 | Toy horse The child may rotate the toy’s wheel by hand while the toy is upside down on the ground, trapping their finger in the gap between the wheel and the metal part on top. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
| Health risk / other | 2 | Sand-filled figurine toy The could rupture and the filling on the inside could come out. The sand inside contains asbestos. Asbestos could cause cancer. This product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. |
| Injuries | 1 | Fishing toy set The toy contains small magnets with a high magnetic flux which can be easily detached. If a child swallows the small magnets, they could attract one another causing intestinal blockage or perforation. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive nor with EN 71-1. |
| 2 | Magnetic toy The toy consists of small magnets with high magnetic flux. If a child swallows them, they could attract one another causing intestinal blockage or perforation. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. |
|
| Suffocation | 1 | Baby pillow Pillows and soft toys are advised not to be placed in the sleep space for babies under the age of one year as their presence increases the risk of overheating and airway obstruction, which have been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The product may lead to suffocation when used in a sleep space for babies. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation. |
The following two alerts regarding jewellery were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Chemicals | 1 | Earrings The product has an excessive concentration of cadmium. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
| 1 | Necklace The product has an excessive concentration of cadmium. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
The following an alert regarding furniture was reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Injuries | 1 | Camping chair The aluminium chair frame breaks where the inner metal reinforcement ends and the chair may unexpectedly collapse. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation nor with EN 581-1 and EN 581-2. |
The following ten alerts regarding miscellaneous consumer products were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Burn | 1 | Coffee pot In spite of following the filling instructions, the product overflows. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive. |
| Chemical, Environment | 1 | Pepper mill The top screw of the product contains an excessive amount of lead. The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation. |
| Choking, Injuries | 3 | Water beads/Expandable beads The product expands in size when in contact with water. If a child puts the product in the mouth or swallows it, contact with saliva or stomach liquids will cause the product to expand, which can result in occlusion of the respiratory tract or intestinal blockage. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation. |
| Drowning | 1 | Inflatable swim seat The product may resemble a toy; however, there is a risk of drowning if children play with it unsupervised. Floating seats with leg openings must be used under constant adult supervision and must not have any play elements or overwater structures. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation nor with EN 13138. |
| Drowning, Entrapment, Injuries | 1 | Inflatable swim seat Floating seats with leg openings must not have any overwater structures. In windy conditions, the float may be lifted, tipped over, pushed away, or destabilised, creating risks of falls, capsizing, separation from the caregiver, entrapment, or drowning. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation |
| Electric shock | 1 | Hand mixer Due to the inadequate design, when inserting the mixing beaters intended for normal use of the mixer, a metal beater may come into contact with the metal motor housing, which is separated from live parts only by basic insulation. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive nor with EN 60335-1 and EN 60335-2. |
| 1 | Smoothie blender Due to inadequate design and inadequate insulation, the metal part of the blender can become live. Moreover, the product is not sufficiently protected against moisture. The product does not comply with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive nor with EN 60335-1 and EN 60335-2-14. |
|
| Injuries | 1 | Car mats The driver-side floor mat may come into contact with the accelerator pedal while driving, causing the vehicle to maintain its speed. This could prevent the driver from properly controlling the vehicle’s speed, increasing the risk of a collision. This product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation. |
| 1 | Bicycle Due to a structural failure, the handle bar can easily break. This could cause an accident. The product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulation nor with EN ISO 4210. |
RASFF (European Commission Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed - Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following two alerts regarding Food Contact Materials related to children's tableware were reported from 21 July to 20 August 2026.
| Product | Notes | |
| Melamin plate | Migration of formaldehyde | RASFF Window - Notification detail (europa.eu) |
| Melamine tray | Increased levels of formaldehyde, organoleptic impairment, and increased overall migration | RASFF Window - Notification detail (europa.eu) |
European Commission annual report summarising 2025 food contact material (FCM) is available on the European Commission website here.
The Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) issues Product Safety Alerts for the UK market.
The following 15 alerts regarding toys, childcare articles and children's equipment products were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Asphyxiation | 1 | Indoor/Outdoor Games The ends of the baby gym legs are noncompliant. To a child who cannot sit up unaided, the component poses a potential risk of asphyxiation/impaction through internal airway obstruction. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| 2 | Dolls/Soft Toys (Non Powered) The flexible plastic bag has a greater area. If a child placed the bag over their head, they could asphyxiate. The cat eyes detached with minimal force, creating small parts.. Improvements are also required to product labelling and markings. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| Chemicals | 1 | Toys/Games Variety Packs The product contains excess N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances. A child could be exposed to them when touching or putting the product in the mouth. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| 1 | Dolls/Soft Toys (Non Powered) The product presents a serious chemical risk because the orange character contains excess Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| Choking | 1 | Musical Toys (Powered) The product includes small parts that can detach or break off during reasonably foreseeable use, creating small parts. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| 1 | Puzzles (Non Powered) The product includes small parts which can detach or break off during reasonably foreseeable use. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Bath/Pool Water Toys Both the ball and the bean shapes are small parts that fit entirely within a small parts cylinder. Some of the required documentation and markings were not present. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Dolls/Soft Toys (Powered) The black plastic eyes can detach or break off during reasonably foreseeable use, creating small parts. The product also contains easily accessible batteries. If a child accesses the batteries and places them in the mouth, the batteries may cause internal burns and injuries. Improvements are also required to product labelling and markings. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Action Figures (Non-Powered) The hands and feet can detach or break off during reasonably foreseeable use, creating small parts. Improvements are also required to labelling and marking. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Sensory Toys The tail detached with minimal force, creating small parts. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Indoor/Outdoor Games The ends of the baby gym legs are noncompliant. Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Toy Vehicles – Non-Ride (Powered) The product includes small parts that can detach or break off during reasonably foreseeable use, creating small parts. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Car/Train Sets (Powered) The product presents a small part (the orange steam dome) may easily detach from the top of the train. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| Fire | 1 | Board Games (Powered) The electric air pump has an incorrectly rated fuse. In addition, the mains supply cord has excessive resistance, which may also lead to localised overheating and fire. Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking. The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 or the Plugs & Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994. |
| Health | 8 | Sensory Toys The play sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| Injuries/Choking | 1 | Indoor/Outdoor Games The product tipped over during stability testing, demonstrating that it may be unstable during normal use. If the product tips over during use, a child could fall. The product includes a battery compartment which is secured with two simple clips, allowing easy access to the compartment and batteries. The batteries may be placed in the mouth and swallowed, presenting a choking hazard for young children and causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Important safety labelling and information is also not present. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| Injuries | 1 | Baby Cots/Cot Beds/Bassinet There is no evidence that the product has been assessed using the relevant UK conformity assessment procedures. Technical documentation demonstrating compliance with BS EN 1130:2019 for the crib and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for the mattress was not provided, and there is no evidence of adequate production control. The product and mattress lack the required markings, safety warnings and traceability information, including warnings relating to suffocation hazards. In addition, the product is not accompanied by instructions and safety information for safe use in English. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
| 4 | Outdoor Play Structures There is no evidence that the product has been assessed using relevant UK conformity assessment procedures, as the supplied test report did not match the product. There is no valid technical documentation for the product and no evidence of production control. There is a lack of labelling, marking and instructions. In the absence of evidence to demonstrate the conformity of the product, and clear instructions for use, it may be possible for a consumer to use it inappropriately. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
|
| 1 | Pram/Pushchair/Stroller Accessories The specified batches of this product may have a welding defect. This could cause the product to fold unexpectedly during use. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
|
| Microbiological | 1 | Sensory Toys The liquid filling was found to contain aerobic microbials, yeast and mould exceeding the permissible expected limit. If the toy is damaged or leaks, users may be exposed to the contaminated liquid. Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. |
| Suffocation | 1 | Dolls/Soft Toys (Non Powered) The product was originally marketed as a pillow. The product as originally marketed did not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
The following two alerts regarding furniture were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Fire | 1 | Armchair The product was manufactured without the required fire-resistant inter-liner. The product does not meet the requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. |
| Flammability | 1 | Household/Office Chairs/Stools (Non Powered) The product’s cover fabric and sheet foam failed the flammability requirements of Schedule 5 Part 1 of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended). The product does not meet the requirements of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. |
The following 25 alerts regarding miscellaneous consumer products were reported between week 29 and week 32 of 2026.
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Asphyxiation | 1 | Water beads The product is swallowed in its hydrated form, it can block a young child’s airway. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
| 1 | Flower/Plant Pots Replacement Parts/Accessories The product is swallowed in its hydrated form, it can block a young child’s airway. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
|
| Choking | 1 | Drinking Bottles The spout can detach from the lid, creating a small part. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
| Drowning | 1 | Swimming/Surfing/Diving Sports Equipment - Replacement Parts/Accessories The product is supplied without any warning pictograms or labelling. Improvements are also required to the product documentation. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
| Fire | 1 | Kitchen Mixing Appliances There is no evidence that the product has been assessed using relevant UK conformity assessment procedures, as the supplied Declaration of Conformity did not match the product. There is no valid technical documentation for the product and no evidence of production control. There is a lack of labelling, marking and instructions. The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. |
| Health | 5 | Arts/Crafts/Needlework Sand Supplies The sand may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
| 8 | Ornaments (Non Powered) The marble chips sealed inside the doorstop/excluder may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
|
| Injuries | 1 | Cycle Parts – Frames/Stems The welded joint in the middle of the frame may fail. This could cause the frame to break during use. The product does not meet the requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. |
| 2 | Trekking/Mountaineering Sports Equipment The wire gate riveting on the carabiners may break or detach. If this occurs while the product is in use at height, the user could fall. The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). |
|
| 2 | Hand Painted Jug The glass may break during use, leading to injuries. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
|
| 3 | Ladders (Non Powered) There is no maximum load warning. This could lead to the product being overloaded and buckling during use. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. |
From 6 August 2026 to 27 August 2026, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) published the following recalls:
13 recalls regarding toys and childcare products
| Hazard | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Fall and serious injury or death | 2 | Baby walkers The recalled infant walkers violate the mandatory standard for infant walkers because they can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step, posing a deadly fall hazard. In addition, the infant walkers have leg openings that allow the child to slip down until the child's head can become entrapped, posing a risk of serious injury or death. |
| Ingestion | 2 | Magnetic fidget sliders The magnetic fidget sliders violate the mandatory standard for toys because they can liberate loose high-powered magnets posing an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. |
| 1 | Finger light toys The recalled LED finger lights violate the mandatory safety standard for toys because they contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. If button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, including internal chemical burns, and death. |
|
| 1 | Magnetic cubes The recalled magnetic cubes violate the mandatory standard for toys because the cubes were packaged with loose high-powered magnets, posing an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract each other, or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. |
|
| 1 | Magnetic building cubes The recalled magnetic building cubes contain magnets that can become loose if the cubes break or open, posing a magnet ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract each other, or other metal objects, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. |
|
| Choking | 1 | Wooden bead stacking toys The recalled toys violate the small parts ban because they are intended for children under three years old and the wooden beads pose a deadly choking hazard to young children. |
| 1 | Baby toy sets The recalled baby toy sets contain a pull string teething toy that violates the mandatory standard for toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. The silicone strings can reach the back of children’s throat and become lodged, posing a risk of respiratory distress and deadly choking hazard. |
|
| Respiratory distress and choking | 2 | Teething toys The recalled teething toys violate the mandatory standard for toys because the silicone strings are smaller and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of children’s throat and become lodged, posing a serious risk of respiratory distress and a deadly choking hazard. |
| Entrapment | 1 | Play yard and crib mattresses The recalled mattresses violate the mandatory safety standard for crib mattresses because the mattresses may not adequately fit certain play yards, posing a deadly entrapment hazard. Babies can suffocate in gaps between an undersized mattress, or extra padding, and side walls of a product, especially when the infant’s face becomes trapped against the side and the mattress, preventing the infant from breathing. Furthermore, the full-sized crib mattresses violate the mandatory flammability standard for mattress sets, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. |
| Fall, impact and strangulation | 1 | Baby jumpers The baby jumper, baby swing and 2-in-1 baby jumper & swing can become unstable, posing fall and impact hazards. Additionally, the hanging restraint straps and seat openings can pose strangulation hazards. |
22 recalls of consumer products
| Type of risk | Number of alerts | Notes |
| Ingestion | 1 | Battery chargers The recalled battery chargers violate the mandatory standard for consumer products containing button cell or coin batteries, because the charger has lithium coin batteries that can be accessed easily by children. In addition, the coin batteries provided with the battery charger are not in child-resistant packaging, and the packaging does not have the warnings, as required by Reese’s Law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns and death. |
| 1 | Laser pointers The Mini Laser Pointer Keychains violate the mandatory safety standard for consumer products with button cell and coin batteries because the button batteries can be accessed easily by children, posing an ingestion hazard. Additionally, the packaging and product do not have the warnings required under Reese’s Law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns and death. |
|
| 1 | LED headbands The recalled headbands violate the mandatory safety standard for toys with button cell and coin batteries because the lithium coin batteries can be accessed easily by children, posing an ingestion hazard. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, and death. |
|
| 1 | Prank sound makers The recalled sound maker violates the mandatory safety standard for consumer products with button cell and coin batteries because the lithium coin batteries can be accessed easily by children, posing an ingestion hazard. Additionally, the packaging and product do not have the warnings required under Reese’s Law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, and death. |
|
| 1 | LED tea lights The LED Tea Lights violate the mandatory safety standard for consumer products with button cell and coin batteries because the button batteries can be accessed easily by children, posing an ingestion hazard. Additionally, the packaging and product do not have the warnings required under Reese’s Law. When button cell or coin batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns and death. |
|
| Burn and poisoning | 2 | Fuel containers The recalled fuel containers violate the requirement for closures under the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act. The closure is not child-resistant, posing a risk of burns and poisoning to children. |
| Entrapment and death by asphyxiation | 1 | Adult bed rails The recalled bed rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails because users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. In addition, the bed rails do not bear the required hazard warning labels. |
| Tip-over and entrapment | 4 | Dressers The recalled dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in risks of serious injuries or death to children. The dressers violate the mandatory safety standard as required by the STURDY Act. |
| Burn | 1 | Tabletop firepits Use of the fire pits can result in uncontrolled pool fires where flames burn across the surface of pooled or spilled alcohol, as well as flame jetting from fuel containers, resulting in serious or fatal burns. |
| Impact and injury | 1 | Ceiling fans The fan blades can separate from the fan motor flywheel, posing impact and injury hazards to consumers. |
| Fall | 1 | Ladders The bolts on the attic stairway ladders can break while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fall hazard. |
| 1 | Climbing ropes The spliced termination ends on the recalled ropes can fail unexpectedly, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fall hazard. |
|
| Fall and crash | 1 | Bicycles The alloy insert located in the front crown hole of the carbon fork can come loose, causing an accessory to fall off and land on the bike's front wheel, posing a risk of serious injury or death from a fall and crash hazard. |
| Fire | 2 | Mattresses The recalled mattresses violate the mandatory flammability standard for mattresses, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fire. |
| 1 | LED light kits The light bars can overheat or produce flames, posing a risk of serious injury from a fire hazard. |
|
| Deadly impact, crush and laceration | 1 | Beds During assembly or disassembly, the frame of the wall bed can fall onto consumers, posing deadly impact, crush and laceration hazards. |
| Ingestion and serious injuries | 1 | Grill brushes Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes and stick to the grill or food, posing an ingestion hazard and risk of serious internal injuries that could require surgery. |