EUROPE

EU Adopts New Directive Allowing Limited Use of Cobalt in Certain Toys

On 29 January 2026, the European Commission adopted Commission Directive (EU) 2026/192, introducing a targeted amendment to the EU’s Toy Safety Directive that permits the controlled use of cobalt in specific toy applications under strict conditions. The measure updates Appendix A of Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC and is aimed at maintaining a high level of child safety across the European Union.

Directive (EU) 2026/192 introduces an exemption, authorising cobalt only in three narrowly defined toy-related applications:

• Toys and toy components made of stainless steel containing nickel, where cobalt is present only as an impurity
• Toy components intended to conduct electric current
• Neodymium-based magnets (NdFeB magnets), provided they cannot be swallowed or inhaled by children.

The amendment makes cobalt the second CMR substance to be permitted for limited use under the Toy Safety Directive, and it aligns with the new Regulation (EU) 2025/2509.

The Directive entered into force following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on 29 January 2026. EU Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national law by 29 July 2026, after which the new rules will apply across the internal market.

Manufacturers placing toys on the EU market after that date will need to ensure compliance with the updated provisions, including technical documentation demonstrating that cobalt use falls strictly within the permitted categories.

For full details, please visit the official EUR-Lex page: Commission Directive (EU) 2026/192