New EU Rules on Chemical Safety in Childcare Products Move Closer to Adoption

After years of scientific assessment and regulatory preparation, the European Union is moving closer to introducing new restrictions on hazardous chemicals in childcare products. EU Member States are currently discussing a proposal that would prohibit substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR categories 1A and 1B) in products used by and for babies and young children. The LIFE FitforREACH-2 project aims to support companies in improving chemicals risk management and encourages the phase-out of the most harmful chemicals from products and processes. The proposed restriction may increase the need for further efforts in this regard, thus increasing the protection of children from CMRs. 

The proposed rules would cover a wide range of everyday items, including teethers, dummies, bibs, nappies, mattresses, cots, high chairs, pushchairs and car seats. The restriction would be introduced under REACH, the European Union’s main regulatory framework for managing chemical risks.

The regulatory process reflects long-standing concern about children’s vulnerability to chemical exposure. Research commissioned by EU authorities found that childcare products may contain substances associated with serious and irreversible health effects. Exposure can be difficult to avoid because these products are used every day and often come into close contact with children’s skin, mouths and sleeping environments.

The upcoming regulation is closely linked to the objectives of LIFE FitforREACH-2, an EU-funded project supporting companies and organisations in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in improving chemical risk management and replacing the most hazardous substances. The project helps businesses identify and assess safer alternatives, avoid “regrettable substitution” and prepare for regulatory and market changes requiring safer and more sustainable products.

Health and consumer organisations support strong, future-proof rules, including the automatic coverage of substances newly classified as CMR. Industry representatives have raised concerns about testing requirements, access to reliable supply-chain information and the time companies would need to comply.

EU Member States are currently discussing the proposal in the REACH Committee, with a final decision expected in autumn 2026. While it is likely that the draft proposal will be amended according to the discussions in the Member States, it will in any case establish a harmonised standard across the European Union that strengthens protection for children. The FFR2 project provides several guidance documents and tools to support companies in implementing the potential future requirements to produce compliant products. 

You can find the proposal here - https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14225-Childcare-articles-restriction-on-substances-classified-as-carcinogenic-mutagenic-or-toxic-for-reproduction-CMR-_en