Toys Containing MagnetsWhat you need to know

& why we’re the best people to tell you

Proposals & Potential Impact• All toys placed on the market within the European Community containing magnets will be required to feature a warning

• The warning must be clearly visible, so that the consumer can see it upon purchase.

• The warning must be in the official language of the Member State in which it is sold or made available.

• Three months following the implementation of this, no toys containing magnets which do not feature the warning will not be allowed into the market, and those already in the marketplace shall be withdrawn.

• These regulations may have a positive impact on consumer confidence

• The costs are likely to be fairly small

• Where there is time to amend packaging, the cost should be negligible

• In other cases, the costs should be in the region of £1-2,000 per product in respect to handling container consignments

• All costs are one-off

• There will be no further costs after the first year

The Key Legislation

1. Member States shall ensure that magnetic toys which are placed or made available on the Community market display a warning : (a) with the following wording: “Warning! This toy contains magnets or magnetic components. Magnets sticking together or becoming attached to a metallic object inside the human body can cause serious or fatal injury. Seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed or inhaled.”; (b) or with an equivalent easily understandable wording that clearly conveys the same content. 2. The warning shall appear in a clearly visible and legible manner, conspicuously displayed on the packaging or otherwise attached to the magnetic toy in such a way as to be visible to the consumer at the point of purchase. 3. The warning shall appear in the official languages of the Member State in which the product is placed or made available on the market.

Why us?

• We will keep you fully up to date on all possible changes to legislation that would effect your company

• We will assist you with responding to consultations, representing your views to the Government.