Like many other consumer products, toys can be composed of a diverse range of different materials, such as plastics, textiles or metals. As with many other consumer products, the chemical composition of toys is often unknown and some of the chemicals, intentionally or unintentionally present in toys, may have hazardous properties. This is highly concerning, since children can be especially vulnerable to health impacts of certain chemicals and are potentially exposed to them via dermal contact, mouthing or inhalation. In addition, increased circularity and recycling rates of materials, can lead to the introduction of hazardous chemicals as unintentional contaminants into the toys value-chain.

Considering these concerns and challenges, chemicals of concern in toys have been a priority sector for activities under the Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management (SAICM). A current project aims at accelerating the adoption of measures by value chains stakeholders, including governments, to track and control chemicals in the supply chains of toys.