Toy Safety Regulations
The Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 set out the legal
requirements for the safety of toys supplied by a business.
A Toy is defined as:
"any product or material designed or clearly intended for use
in play by children of less than 14 years of age."
Labelling
All new toys that you supply in the course of a business must be
marked with:
- the name and address of the manufacturer or importer; and
- the CE mark.
The CE mark is a declaration by the manufacturer or importer
that the toy is safe.
These marks must be on the toy or its packaging, and be permanent
and easy to read.
On small toys, these marks may be on:
- a label attached to the toy;
- an accompanying leaflet;
- an associated display box.
Warnings and Instructions
Some toys must come with warnings and instructions about
precautions that need to be taken to ensure safe use. Special
warnings are required as follows (and where specific instructions
are required, you should seek further advice or refer directly to
the Regulations):
- Toys that are not suitable for children under 3 require a
warning to this effect (stating the reason why, e.g. choking
hazard).
- Swings, slides and similar toys require instructions for
assembly and for periodic checks and maintenance.
- 'Functional' toys (i.e. those which are used in the same way
as, and are often scale models of, appliances or installations
intended for adults) require the following marking: "Warning: to be
used under the direct supervision of an adult". They also require
specific safety instructions and an indication that they must be
kept out of the reach of very young children.
- Toys containing inherently dangerous substances or
preparations, such as chemical toys, require specific safety
instructions, a statement of a minimum age limit for use and a
statement that the toy is to be used under adult supervision. Where
appropriate, additional requirements as to labelling and packaging
may apply under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for
Supply) Regulations 2002.
- Toys such as skateboards or skates require specific
instructions and the following marking: "Warning: protective
equipment should be worn".
- Toys for use in the water, such as rubber rings, require the
following marking: "Warning! Only to be used in water in which the
child is within its depth and under supervision".
Second-hand toys
Toys which are second-hand do not need to be labelled with the
CE mark or the address of the manufacturer or distributor, but they
must still meet the legal standards. The special warnings and
instructions (see above) are required for both second-hand and new
toys.
You are advised to only sell second-hand toys which are CE marked,
contain any relevant instructions or warnings and have been checked
for any obvious faults.
Keeping within the law
If you sell toys that are incorrectly marked or unsafe, you will be
breaking the law and may be prosecuted. You could be fined up to
£5000 and imprisoned for up to six months.
Other children's products
Consumer Protection and Investigations Officers also enforce and
can provide guidance on the safety of other products, such as
prams, pushchairs, clothing, beds, bicycles and car seats.
