Topic outline

  • Conformity assessment

    The EU aims to guarantee the free movement of products by harmonising requirements for products with directives, regulations and decisions. EU member states must transpose the directives into national legislation by means of national laws and regulations. Regulations and decisions issued by the Commission are directly applicable and shall enter into force as such in the member states.

    A toy can be placed on the EU market only if it meets the essential requirements set for it. Laws, directives, regulations and decisions contain the essential requirements for toy safety, environmental and consumer protection, and the applicable conformity assessment procedures. 

    The manufacturer must ensure that the toy complies with all the relevant requirements. The manufacturer must carry out a conformity assessment of the toy, i.e. examine and consider whether the toy meets the relevant requirements. A risk assessment and the preparation of the EC declaration of conformity are the essential elements of the assessment.