The European Commission welcomed Thursday's adoption by the European Parliament of its proposal to substantially strengthen EU-rules on toy safety.

"I am very pleased that the EU has been able to agree within record time on these robust and far reaching rules for safe toys. The new rules incorporate the newest health and safety standards. What legislators can do for children to be safe when playing with toys has been done," EC Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industrial policy, said.

The new rules ban the use in toys of chemicals that are susceptible to provoke cancer, change genetic information or harm reproduction and include enhanced safety requirements to prevent choking risks.

In order to prevent accidents, warnings need to be marked on toys in a clearly visible manner, the rules read. Warnings that contradict the intended use of the toy are not allowed, in particular the warning "not suitable for children under 36 months" on toys clearly intended for this age group.

The EC said the obligations for toy manufacturers and importers are considerably strengthened as before a manufacturer tests whether his toy respects the safety requirements of the Directive, a safety assessment of the toy must be carried out and comprehensive technical information established for all his products.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!