Directive on Phthalate-containing soft PVC toys and childcare articles
Since 1999 the European Commission has prohibited the use of phthalates in
children's toys. This product is especially dangerous in toys placed in the
mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may
exceed the maximum daily dose and have a long-term impact on health.
Six phthalates are prohibited in this type of toy: di-iso nonyl phthalate
(DINP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP), dibutyl phthalate
(DBP or
DNBP), di-iso-decyl phthalate
(DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate
(DNOP) and butylbenzyl phthalate
(BBP).
In 2005, the ban was made permanent by an EU Directive (2005/84/EC). The
Directive broadened the ban to include not only toys but also childcare articles
as they can be placed in the mouth by small children. A childcare article is any
product intended to facilitate sleep , relaxation, hygiene, the feeding of
children, or sucking on the part of children.