Directive on Phthalate-containing soft PVC toys and childcare articles

Since 1999 the European Commission has prohibited the use of phthalates in children's toys. This product is especially dangerous in toys placed in the mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may exceed the maximum daily dose and have a long-term impact on health.

Six phthalates are prohibited in this type of toy: di-iso nonyl phthalate (DINP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP or DNBP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP).

In 2005, the ban was made permanent by an EU Directive (2005/84/EC). The Directive broadened the ban to include not only toys but also childcare articles as they can be placed in the mouth by small children. A childcare article is any product intended to facilitate sleep , relaxation, hygiene, the feeding of children, or sucking on the part of children.

Source: Europa website, Phthalate-containing soft PVC and childcare articles 

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) - Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) - Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) - Di-n-octylphthalate (DNOP) - Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) - Phthalates

Deutsch: Richtlinie zu Baby- und Spielzeugartikeln aus phthalathaltigem Weich-PVC
Español: Directiva sobre los juguetes y artículos de puericultura de PVC blando que contengan ftalatos
Français: Directive sur les jouets et articles de puériculture en PVC souple contenant des phtalates

DEHP