FAQ on Safety of Magnetic Toys
February 29, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
On Feb. 28, the European Union (EU) approved a proposal by the European Commission (EC) requiring toys containing magnets to carry a mandatory warning label. Frequently asked questions about this new toy safety initiative are presented here.
Why is the EC proposing a warning on toys containing or made from magnets?
Magnets in toys are an increasing risk, and yet they are currently not covered by any specific rules. Such toys are only obliged to meet the general EU requirement that toys put on the market pose no health or safety risk. However, given the way in which magnetic toys have evolved, becoming smaller, more powerful and more easily detached, new measures that specifically address these toys are needed.
The EC believes that a warning label on toys with magnets is necessary to address, in a proportionate way, the risk that these toys pose to children. The warning label is foreseen as a temporary solution while the EU-wide standard is being revised to cover risks posed by magnets in toys.
What are the dangers associated with magnets in toys?
Even though magnets have been used in toys for a long time, over the last few years they have become much more powerful. As a result, they can detach more easily from the toy because the manufacturing techniques used in the past are no longer adequate to keep these stronger magnets attached. Their increased power also means that, if swallowed, the consequences can be extremely serious, as two or more magnets can connect with each other or with metal items in the digestive tract, causing perforations, blockages and ruptures. The smaller, more powerful magnets can also cause grave harm if inhaled.
There have been a number of very concerning incidents worldwide involving children who swallowed magnetic toys or magnets that detached from toys. A fatal accident was reported in the U.S. in 2006, and there have also been dozens of cases of children swallowing magnets and requiring major surgery as a result. Hundreds of consumer complaints and incident reports have been submitted on magnetic toys, and there have been several RAPEX notifications directly related to such products.
Several toy manufacturers have recently issued major recalls of toys containing magnets. In particular, over 18 million magnetic toys were recalled worldwide during the summer of 2007, and a significant proportion of these toys were on the European market.
What is the new standard?
In May 2007, the EC asked the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) to revise the relevant European standard (EN 71-1) in order to cover the specific risks of toys containing small magnets. The CEN has 24 months to produce this revised standard, which will provide authorities and industry with a precise benchmark to assess the safety of toys with regard to the specific risks that magnets may pose.
Of course, current EU rules state clearly that any toy put on the EU market must comply with the general safety requirements (General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC and Toy Safety Directive 88/378/EEC) and will be removed from the market if it is dangerous to children.
What toys exactly will be required to carry a warning under the decision?
Warning labels will have to be carried by any toy that has a loose or detachable magnet or magnetic part small enough to be swallowed by a child. This is the same as the small parts test template set out under the European standard EN-71-1.
How long before the EU warnings will be seen on toys with magnets?
The mandatory warnings should be on all toys made from or containing magnets by summer 2008. Once the European Parliament scrutiny period is over (two weeks) and the EC has formally adopted the decision, member states have three months to ensure that the measures are implemented.
What is the legal base for the new EU-wide warning?
The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) requires national authorities and industry to take all necessary measures to ensure that consumer products placed on the EU market are safe. Under Article 13 of the GPSD, in certain cases, the EC can put forward a proposal for specific action or measures in response to a serious identified risk from certain products to the health and safety of consumers in various member states.
Why prioritise an EU action on magnets?
A number of member states, including France, Germany, and Denmark, have already informed the EC of national measures to ensure that consumers are informed of the risks linked to magnets in toys through warnings.
Towards the end of 2007, many member states specifically called on the EC to introduce an EU-wide measure in this area, to ensure a consistent and high level of consumer safety protection throughout the EU and to avoid a situation where many divergent national measures emerged and posed a barrier to trade in magnetic toys across the European Community.
All member states remain vigilant for any problems with the safety of magnetic toys, and immediately report any identified risks through the RAPEX system.
Has this kind of action been taken before under the GPSD?
Yes, other EC initiatives under Article 13 of the GPSD include a decision to ban phthalates in toys and child care articles, plus a decision to ban all novelty cigarette lighters and to place child-resistance requirements on all disposable lighters. Such decisions are evidence of the fact that the EC does not hesitate to propose specific, proportionate action if product safety risks emerge.
Source: European Commission.