Switzerland Updates Toys Ordinance to Harmonize with European Toy Safety Directive

February 17, 2017
Top Quote Switzerland updates its Toys Ordinance to incorporate the latest European toy safety requirements in Directive 2009/48/EC. The new law becomes effective on May 1, 2017. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) February 17, 2017 - In December 2016, Switzerland incorporated the latest requirements from the European Toy Safety Directive (TSD), Directive 2009/48/EC, into its own Toys Ordinance - Regulation of the Federal Department of Home Affairs on the Safety of Toys (Toys Ordinance, VSS) [Verordnung des Eidgenössischen Departements des Innern (EDI) über die Sicherheit von Spielzeug (Spielzeugverordnung, VSS)]. While Switzerland is not as member of the European Union (EU) it does follow many EU regulations. Unlike the EU, CE marking is not required in Switzerland.

    The amendments include:
    • Alignment of language
    • Clarifying the list of products that are not considered as toys in Annex 1
    • Clarifying the requirements for physical and mechanical properties falling under the specific safety requirements for toys in Annex 2
    • Clarifying the general requirements for chemicals falling under the specific safety requirements for toys in Annex 2
    • Additional requirements for activity toys and functional toys
    • New definition for chemical toys, aquatic toys, olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games
    • Updating the list of harmonized SN EN 71 standards for presumption of conformity with the Swiss Toys Ordinance, VSS
    • Restrictions on certain substances in toys for children under 36 months and toys intended to be placed in the mouth. These substances are:
    o Formamide - in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/2115
    o BIT - in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/2116
    o CMI, MI, Mixture of CMI and MI in the ratio of 3:1 - in accordance with Directive (EU) 2015/2177

    In addition to these restrictions, the Swiss Toys Ordinance (VSS) also regulates certain chemicals derived from Annex XVII of REACH, including:
    • Benzene
    • Phthalates
    • The list of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the Swiss Chemical Risk Reduction Regulation, Chem RRV of May 18, 2005 (SR 814.81)

    The new law will become effective on May 1, 2017 with a provision for products conforming to the previous standard but not the updated standard being allowed to remain on sale until April 30, 2018.

    SGS Toys Services
    SGS's global network of laboratories and experts (including 3 EU Notified Bodies and about 40 CPSC-Accepted Testing Laboratories) offer consultation and comprehensive testing services (physical/mechanical, chemical, flammability, electrical safety, etc) covering the full spectrum of international product safety and regulatory standards for a wide range of toys. Learn more about SGS's Toys Services (www.sgs.com/toys)

    SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Switzerland Strengthens Toy Safety SafeGuardS. (www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/02/safeguards-01617-switzerland-strengthens-toy-safety)

    Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

    For further information contact:
    Hing Wo Tsang
    Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
    Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
    Email: cts.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
    Website: www.sgs.com/toys

    About SGS
    SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

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