Toy Safety Update | What you need to know for 2026
Toy safety rules have a habit of changing just when you feel you’ve finally got your head around them.
With the new EU Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509 hot off the press and new US CPSIA eFiling requirements on the horizon, now could be a good time to get up to speed.
If you create products for children these updates matter. In this article, we’ll walk you through what’s changing and how you can prepare without the stress.
What’s changing in Europe?
The EU Toy Safety Regulation 2025/2509 entered into force on January 1st 2026 bringing in some really sweeping changes. It’s worth noting that there is a 4-5 year transition period before some of the rules fully apply, allowing industry time to adjust.
In brief changes include:
- Wider chemical bans and restrictions including PFAS, endocrine disrupters and Bisphenols
- New age-grading / warning label requirements
- New rules increasing the responsibility of online marketplaces
- New rules to address mental health risks of ‘smart’ or digitally connected products
- Introduction of a Digital Product Passport to provide consumers with more information and simplify checks for customs authorities
What’s changing in the US?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is making changes that will require importers of regulated products to electronically submit data to US Customs prior to import. The product safety requirements themselves remain unchanged; only the method of supplying data has shifted to electronic submission. The aim is to reduce customs examinations at ports, minimize delays, and prevent non-compliant products from entering the US.
E-filing becomes mandatory on July 8, 2026. There are seven mandatory data elements needed for E-Filing.
- Product ID / description / ISBN / Print Number
- Citation codes of applicable requirements
- Manufacturing date
- Manufacturing place – company name / address / contact info
- Testing date
- Testing lab – company name / address / contact info
- Responsible party (importer of record) – company name / address / contact info
The importer of record is responsible for ensuring E-Filing is completed and it will be the forwarder or customs broker that typically makes the submission.
Why Toy Safety Training makes life easier
Get up to speed on these requirements and more by attending an Imago Safety Training course.
Understanding Toy Safety is our introductory course, designed specifically for publishing and production teams working in the children’s market.
No prior toy safety knowledge is required. The course gives a clear, practical overview of:
- The European Toy Safety Directive and EN71 standards
- CPSIA and ASTM F963 for the US market
- Chemical safety and hidden hazards
- When a book becomes a toy — and why that matters
- Age grading, warnings and product markings
- How toys are tested and how children interact with products
It’s practical, approachable, and grounded in real publishing examples.
📍 Delivered in person at Imago’s UK offices in Thame
🗓 Wednesday 25 March | 9:30am–5pm
💷 £445 ex. VAT (discounts available for multiple bookings)
If you’re already familiar with the basics and want to go deeper, our Advanced Toy Safety Course focuses on one of the most challenging areas of compliance: the Safety Assessment process.
This one-day workshop is designed for experienced professionals who are responsible for signing off products and managing risk.
You’ll work through:
- How to carry out formal Safety Assessments
- Identifying physical and chemical hazards
- Understanding foreseeable and intended use
- Building and maintaining a compliant Technical File
- Knowing when to test, when to take a risk-based approach, and how to manage costs
📍 Delivered in person at Imago’s UK offices in Thame
🗓 Wednesday 29 April | 9:30am–5pm
💷 £445 ex. VAT (discounts available for multiple bookings)
Learn from a Toy Safety Expert
Both courses are delivered by Diane Greaves, who has spent over 30 years working in children’s product safety.
Diane has managed accredited toy testing laboratories, worked as a hazard and risk assessor, and now advises retailers and publishers as an independent consultant. She also sits on several UK and EU standards committees, bringing real-world experience and clarity to a subject that can often feel overwhelming.
Getting Ready for the new Toy Safety Updates
With toy safety regulations continuing to evolve, now is the right time to review your processes and build confidence across your team.
The earlier safety is considered, the easier it is to manage, and training is one of the most effective ways to do that.
📩 To register your interest or find out more, email training@imagogroup.com
Do you have an upcoming project?
Contact us today to discover how Imago Group can assist you in meeting your product safety requirements.
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