Phthalates has always been the focus of EU Customs inspection on 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 were 11 recall cases about phthalates in March 2015 and all of them are from China. The notifying countries are France, Italy , and Spain the product category were all toys.
Introduction to Phthalates
Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizer, and widely applied in toys, food packaging, cosmetics and 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, are lacking a sense of self–preservation so 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 the 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 more and more strict toy regulation and standards being issued in the EU, exported toys are being recalled repeatedly. Enterprises are advised to improve the production process and monitor the critical processes to meet the requirements of the EU regulations. Companies are also advised to conduct supply chain surveys and choose materials to eliminate the use of phthalates.