Recommendations for consumers to choose a safe toy
- Ensure that the toy carries the CE marking, which should, as a rule, guarantee that the toy complies with the requirements.
- Read the recommendations and warnings on the toy's packaging and the instructions for use.
- Ensure that the toy is suitable for the child's age group: for example, if you buy a toy for a child under three years old, make sure that it is strong enough not to break.
- Be aware that toys labeled in a foreign language must have an Estonian translation on the packaging and, if necessary, must be accompanied by instructions in Estonian for assembling and using the toy.
- Know that the toy packaging must also bear the name or trademark and address of the manufacturer, their representative, or the importer.
- Ensure that the toy's buttons, eyes, noses, cords, wires, and other protruding parts are firmly attached and durable.
- Ensure that batteries are not easily accessible – the battery compartment can only be opened with a tool.
- Make sure the toy's stitching and fastenings are of high quality and durable.
- Check that toys designed to be ridden are fitted with an easy-to-use and safe braking system.
- Prefer toys made from natural materials if possible, as children are often allergic to plastic materials.
- Ensure that the toy does not make too much noise, as toys with high noise levels can damage hearing.
- Remember that the rated voltage of the toy's power supply and the voltage of any part of the toy must not exceed 24 volts to avoid the risk of burns and electric shocks when touching the toy.
- If the toy has an intense smell, do not buy or use it.
- Be particularly careful when buying a toy from a market, stall, or other temporary sales outlet.
Labeling of toys
Toys must bear a conformity marking (CE marking) before being placed on the market. The CE marking is affixed to the manufacturer's product after a conformity assessment has been carried out and the appropriate documentation has been drawn up. The CE marking shall be affixed visibly, legibly, and indelibly to the toy, to a label attached to the toy, or its packaging. The CE marking may also be connected to a label or leaflet accompanying a small toy or a toy consisting of small parts.
Taking into account the potential risks of the toy and the age group for which the toy is intended, the toy shall be accompanied by a warning stating at least:
- the minimum or maximum age of the user;
- where appropriate:
- the capacity of the user;
- the minimum or maximum weight of the user;
- a requirement for the toy to be used only under adult supervision.
Manufacturers shall ensure that their toys bear a type, batch, serial, or model number or any other indication that would enable them to be identified or, where the size or other characteristics of the toy do not allow it, that the required information is provided on the packaging or in a document accompanying the toy.
Manufacturers shall indicate their name, registered trademark, and the address at which consumers can contact them on the toy or, where that is not possible, on its packaging or in a document accompanying the toy. The address shall indicate a single place where consumers can contact the manufacturer.
Importers must indicate their name and address on the toy or, where this is not possible, on its packaging. Importers must also ensure that the address of the manufacturer is indicated on the toy or its packaging. If there is no importer (i.e., the product is manufactured in the EU), it is sufficient to provide the manufacturer's address only.
Warnings on toys must not be misleading or false.
A toy shall not bear a warning that is incompatible with its intended use, which is determined by the nature of its functions, dimensions, and characteristics (e.g., a rattle, etc., which is in fact suitable for a child under three years of age shall not bear a warning "not suitable for children under three years of age").
A toy with such a misleading warning should not be purchased as the toy's safety may not be guaranteed.
Last updated: 06.04.2021