NEWS

Notes from EU Market Surveillance Authorities: Asbestos in Toy Sands

In late 2025, EU Member States were alerted to recalls of toy sand in Australia and New Zealand due to asbestos contamination. In February 2026, contaminated play sand products were also found in the Netherlands and Belgium. Since November 2025, the EU Toy Safety Expert Group and market surveillance authorities have held extensive discussions, reaching consensus in July 2026.

Risks and Regulation: Asbestos is classified as a Category 1A Carcinogen under CLP and is prohibited in toys under the Toy Safety Directive (TSD). While REACH allows CMR substances up to 0.1%, authorities may take action against asbestos-containing toys (even below this limit) under TSD Article 10(2) and Annex II Part III point 1, based on risk assessment.

Testing Methodology Consensus: Most Member States agreed that VDI 3866 Part 5 Annex B (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) is the most suitable qualitative method for testing asbestos in play sand. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is equally effective. The limit of detection should not exceed 0.1%, preferably at 0.001%. Polarised light microscopy (PLM) alone is insufficient due to its higher detection threshold (0.008%–0.01%) and potential to miss thinner fibres.

Scope: Not only play sand but also all sand-filled toys (e.g., fabric-enclosed sand toys) should be tested, as they may release sand particles during normal use or accidental rupture.

Risk Note: The primary risk is inhalation of airborne fibres; oral intake poses no significant risk. The Dutch NVWA analysed over 100 products and concluded that most toy sands pose very low risk, but four loose decorative sand products showed notably higher contamination levels, with potentially unacceptable risk under worst-case exposure scenarios.

For more information, please click the hyperlink
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2f2acfcb-c9f3-4c10-b142-95c40b829e1a_en?filename=Market%20surveillance%20note%20on%20asbestos%20in%20toy%20sands%20-%203%20July%202026.pdf