European manufacturers warn about the safety of imported toys

Toy manufacturers are calling on the European Union to take action against the massive influx of dangerous toys into Europe via online trading platforms, especially those from China.

The safety of non-European toys is still problematic. According to a study revealed by the European federation of professionals in the sector, 86% of controlled toys pose a major risk to the safety and health of children, six points more than in 2024.

These worrying consequences involve small components, or even batteries, which are at risk of swallowing by children, the danger of burns in battery-powered toys, or even the risk of suffocation. “Currently there are still too many dangerous toys on the platform offered by sellers from third countriesexplained Catherine Van Reeth who heads the federation of the European Toy Industry, which is leading the investigation. The rules are very strict. Our members do their best to ensure that toys comply and are not harmful. So we really want everyone to follow the rules.”

Unfair competition, especially condemned by Smoby boss Alexis Delorme: “That doesn’t make sense. Where are we ? Europe, typically, is a region where consumers are protected. At Smoby, 20 people work on product safety and quality to ensure that in the end, the product meets all standards.”

European toy manufacturers are calling for more customs controls before their products, especially Chinese products, enter the European market. “The important point is to find a solution to stop these products before they arrive on the European marketexplained Christophe Drevet, general director of the French toy industry federation. In 2024, 4.6 billion low-value packages – less than 150 euros – arrive on the European market.

“Customs, with the best will in the world, does not have the logistical means to control these products that also arrive directly in consumers’ mailboxes.”

Christophe Drevet, general director of the French toy industry federation

at franceinfo

European manufacturers welcomed the implementation of a tax on small packages promised in 2026, which could contribute to this goal, but without solving problems related to the manufacture of imported toys.

Two weeks ago, the European Commission visited China to reaffirm European requirements. “We have a very strong message in China, to the authorities and online marketplaces, to let them know that we now have zero tolerance for this.said Isabelle Pérignon, consumer director at the Commission. Dialogue will continue with Chinese authorities against manufacturers or markets that do not respect these rules.” The impact worries manufacturers, who say they found defective toys in an annual survey they found in 2024.