The Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995

Flammability

2.—(a) Toys must not constitute a dangerous flammable element in the child’s environment. They must therefore be composed of materials which—

(1) do not burn if directly exposed to a flame or spark or other potential seat of fire; or

(2) are not readily flammable (the flame goes out as soon as the fire cause disappears); or

(3) if they do ignite, burn slowly and present a low rate of spread of the flame; or

(4) irrespective of the toy’s chemical composition, are treated so as to delay the combustion process.

• Such combustible materials must not constitute a risk of ignition for other materials used in the toy.

(b) Toys which, for reasons essential to their functioning, contain dangerous substances or preparations as defined in Council Directive 67/548/EEC(1), in particular materials and equipment for chemistry experiments, model assembly, plastic or ceramic moulding, enamelling, photography or similar activities, must not contain, as such, substances or preparations which may become flammable due to the loss of non-flammable volatile components.

(c) Toys must not be explosive or contain elements or substances likely to explode when used as specified in Article 2(1) of the Toys Directive(2). This provision does not apply to toy percussion caps, for which reference should be made to point 10 of Annex 1 and the related footnote.

(d) Toys and, in particular, chemical games and toys, must not contain as such substances or preparations—

• which, when mixed, may explode:

  • through chemical reaction, or through heating,

  • when mixed with oxidising substances,

• which contain volatile components which are flammable in air and liable to form flammable or explosive vapour/air mixture.

(1)

OJ No. L 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1/67.

(2)

i.e when they are used as intended to be used or in a foreseeable way bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children of less than 14 years of age.