On December 18, 2018, the European Commission (EC) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the draft directive, which set specific limits for formaldehyde in toys or other toy materials used by children under 36 months. The amendment will be carried out in accordance with Appendix C of Annex II of the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The comment period is until February 16, 2019.
The specific limits and test methods are as follows:
| Toy material | Limit | Test Methods | Remarks |
| Chemical compound | 1.5mg/L (migration limit) | EN 71-10 and EN 71-11 | Less than the limit requirement of EN 71-9 (2.5 mg/l) |
| Resin bonded wood | 0.1mg/m3 (volatility limit) | EN 717-1 | Different from EN 717-3 test method |
| Textile materials | 30mg/kg | EN ISO 14184-1 | Same as EN 71-9 |
| leather | 30mg/kg | EN ISO 17226-1 | - |
| paper | 30mg/kg | EN 645和EN 1541 | Same requirements as EN 71-9 |
| Water-based materials | 10mg/kg | EDQM method | Less than the requirements in EN 71-9 (0.05%) |
According to CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, formaldehyde is classified as a Class 1B carcinogen and banned by the Toys Directive. Based on the scientific evidence provided by ANEC, the “Chemicals” group of the Toy Safety Expert Group recommended that the Committee recommend the regulation of the use of formaldehyde in toys.
