Press Release: Permanent ban of phthalates: Commission hails long-term safety for children’s toys

The European Commission welcomed the European Parliament's full support of a total ban of three phthalates, plastic softeners, all of which have been classified as reprotoxic, in all toys and childcare articles, 5 July 2005. In addition the ban was to apply to three other phthalates, for which there was uncertainty as regards the risks involved, in soft PVC toys and childcare articles that can be placed in the mouth by children, as these could be released when children suck or chew on them. Phthalates had already been temporarily banned since 1999, but this ban had to be renewed regularly and Member States had adopted different legislations. The new harmonised approach for all EU Member States was to safeguard the internal market by establishing EU rules to replace 25 national pieces of legislation. The Council having already agreed on a common position, the directive was expected to receive formal approval in the autumn of 2005

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