Phthalates has always been the focus of EU Customs inspection on the imported toys and childcare articles, and as the EU REACH Regulation comes into force, the number of recalls concerning toys and childcare articles containing phthalates is much more than heavy metals. . According to the statistics of EU Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Consumer Products (RAPEX), there are 11 recall cases about phthalates in March,2015 and all of them are from China. The notifying countries are France, Italy , Spain and so on, product category are all toys.

Introduction of Phthalates

Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizer, and widely applied in toys, food packaging, cosmetics, many daily necessities and other products. It has been shown that phthalates can interfere with the endocrine, lower the quality of male sperm. It is one of the major causes of male reproductive problems. Children, as a vulnerable group, lacking the sense of self –preservation, therefore limiting the use of phthalates in children’s products is critical. For this reason, the abuse of phthalates is becoming a major concern of more and more countries.

Requirements of Regulations

Nation	Regulations	Substance	Requirements
EU	REACH XVII	BBP	The plasticized materials in toys under 14 years old and child care articles under 3 years old , which contain these phthalates should not greater than 0.1%.
DBP
DEHP
DINP	The plasticized materials in toys under 14 years old and child care articles under 3 years old , which contain these phthalates should not greater than 0.1%.

CTI Suggestion

In the light of increasingly stricter toy regulation and standards being issued in the EU,  and imported toys being alerted repeatedly. Enterprises are advised to improve the production process and monitor the critical process to meet the requirements of EU regulations. Companies are also advised to conduct a supply chain survey and choose qualified materials to eliminate the use of phthalates.