The Directive regulating toy safety has been in force since 1988 and its replacement and modernisation is evidently required. The European Commission has presented a legislative proposal that seeks to introduce new and more stringent safety requirements, strengthen manufacturers’ and importers’ responsibility for the marketing of toys and enhance the market surveillance obligations of the Member States.   

Important elements of the proposal entail the prohibition of chemical substances that could cause cancer; a reduction in the permissible quantities for certain dangerous chemical substances; the prohibition of allergenic fragrances; a ban on toys attached to food products; as well as more responsibility for importers and manufacturers, among others.

The current proposal is under discussion and so stakeholders are still in time, not only to inform themselves of the implications but also to provide their views on this legislative development at an early stage.

In view of this, Forum Malta fl-Ewropa, together with the Malta Standards Authority and the Enterprise Europe Network organised an information and consultation session which was of interest to:

• manufacturers;
• importers and retailers;
• consumers, and
• associations representing the above.

The session was held on the 4^th of June 2008 at the Trade Winds Hall, at the Malta Enterprise in San Gwann, between 1300-1500 hrs.