On May 8, 2026, the European Commission opened a consultation period on the initiative to restrict substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) from childcare products. A ‘childcare product’ is “any product intended to facilitate seating, sleep, relaxation, hygiene such as bathing, changing and general body care, feeding, sucking, transportation and protection of children.”
The draft regulation argues that “[c]hildren are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Due to developmental age-specific behaviour [sic] patterns of children, their exposure to hazardous substances from articles is different compared to adults. For instance, their hand-to-mouth behaviour or their habit of playing on the floor increases the exposure to chemicals.”
Current regulations for childcare products in the EU
There is currently no overall regulation covering substances in all childcare products as a group. Toys are subject to the Toy Safety Regulation ((EU) 2025/2509) while feeding items are subject to the Food Contact Materials Regulation ((EC) No 1935/2004) and REACH ((EC) No 1907/2006) also includes a few restrictions for substances in ‘childcare articles.’ This patchwork means that at times a child may have plastic toy dishware and real plastic dishware that are subject to different rules rules about the substances used.
Evidence for concern
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) previously investigated CMRs in childcare articles, publishing a report in 2023 supporting the European Commission’s pursuit of the regulation. ECHA found that the CMR 1A and 1B substances (those known or presumed to be hazardous due to studies on humans and animals, respectively) most often reported in childcare products were cobalt (CAS 7440-48-4), lead (7439-92-1), and phthalates followed by tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (CAS 115-96-8), formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0), and bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7). “The articles where CMR 1A or 1B substances were more often measured were car seats, bibs, toilet related articles, bed and mattresses related articles, diaper and nappy related articles and feeding and drinking related articles.”
Multiple CMR substances that are confirmed breast carcinogens in rodent models have been detected on the EU market in recent years (FPF reported).
The Food Packaging Forum tracks engagement opportunities on the consultations page.
References
European Commission (May 8, 2026). “Childcare articles – restriction on substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR).”
European Chemicals Agency (2023). “Investigation report to support the Commission on the preparation of a restriction proposal.” (pdf)
Read more
Ioana Bere (April 30, 2026). “Toxic-free childcare products – Europe’s fast track restriction in the slow lane.” ChemTrust
Eline Schaart (May 8, 2026). “European Commission consults on CMR restriction in childcare products.” Chemical Watch News and Insight
