With increasing consumer concerns about toy safety, the new EU Toy Directive 2009/48/EC went into effect July 20, 2011, and addressed new safety issues and improve enforcement activities.

The new Directive replaces the existing legislation, 88/378/EEC, which was drafted more than 20 years ago and no longer provides comprehensive toy safety standards that address the evolution and development of toys over the last two decades. The new EU Toy Directive identifies specific record-keeping requirements with which manufacturers must comply.

Yiwu Toy Export with New EU Toy Safety Directive

Since the new toy directive was put into effect, the toy export in Yiwu has had a growth rather than a decrease. During July 20 to September 19, there were 631 batches of toys exported, increasing by 23%. Among them, 103 were exported to EU, rising by 51.47%. Yiwu is known as the world biggest circulation center of commodities. Currently, there are over 4350 enterprises and business entities of toys, involving more than 20,000 participants. The annual trade volume exceeds 4 billion yuan. Yiwu toys are exported to the U.S., Middle East, EU, and so on. It means Yiwu toy enterprises are having another challenge and opportunity.