NEWS

European Union – Publication of Three Guidance Documents on the Application of Revised Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC

In July 2012, the European Commission published three Guidance Documents intended to facilitate the application of the Revised Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
Summary of Guidance Documents:

1.　New version of the Aquatic Toys Guidance Document No 7 – updated 9 July 2012
The reference to Directive 88/378/EEC is deleted.
One picture example of a floating leisure article which is not considered as a toy:

2.　New version of the Packaging Guidance Document No 12 – updated 9 July 2012
Definition of toy bag is added in accordance with EN 71-1: 2011.
A toy bag is a bag that clearly intended for use in play, often having features designed to encourage the child to use the bag in play activities.
Picture of toy bag:

3.　Publication of Guidance Document No 16 relative to Electronic Equipment – dated 9 July 2012
This document clarifies the classification of electronic equipment.

It reminds that, according to Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, electronic equipment such as personal computers and game consoles which are used to access interactive software and their associated peripherals are not to be considered as toys.
The only exception is that they shall be considered as toys if they are
(i) specifically designed for and targeted at children and
(ii) have a play value on their own.
"Have a play value on their own" means the product must have an independent play value of its own that goes beyond just enabling the user to play the software-based game for which it was designed to be used.
It also reminds that interactive software intended for leisure and entertainment, and their storage media are not to be considered as toys.

Examples of products to be considered as TOYS :

Examples of ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (not to be considered as toys) :

Link for the Guidance Documents:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/toys/documents/guidance/index_en.htm