plastic toys — One in three plastic toys checked for chemicals in Cyprus have failed safety standards, raising alarms among officials and parents alike. Recent data highlights a troubling trend in hazardous chemical levels, particularly phthalates, in children’s toys.
Statistics shared by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas reveal that over the past five years, the percentage of toys withdrawn due to non-compliance has fluctuated significantly. In 2020, 29.3% of tested toys were removed from circulation. This figure increased to 31.5% in 2022 and peaked at 33.3% in 2025, following a temporary dip to 14.6% in 2023.
Plastic toys: Widespread Chemical Concerns
The issue isn’t confined to toys alone. While data for 2020 is lacking, half of all general consumer items tested in 2021 were also withdrawn due to similar phthalate concerns. By 2025, this withdrawal rate for general items had decreased to 8.3%, indicating some progress but still highlighting ongoing risks.
Regulatory Actions and Compliance Measures
In response to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Charalambos Theopemptou, Mousiouttas elaborated on the actions taken by the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI). The DLI mandates either improvements in product safety or the destruction of non-compliant products. When labelling errors arise, a “Compliance Notice” is issued, leading to a temporary stock seizure until the issues are rectified. However, if products contain banned chemicals, immediate withdrawal is enforced.
Mousiouttas explained, “In cases where corrective actions for product compliance cannot be taken, the DLI proceeds with the delivery of a ‘Withdrawal Notice.’” This process requires distributors to count and destroy the non-compliant items under the supervision of an inspector.
Persistent Challenges with Phthalates
Most of the withdrawn products over the last five years involved chemicals restricted under the REACH Regulation, a framework aimed at protecting human health and the environment from hazardous substances. Despite the gradual decline in withdrawal rates, the persistent presence of phthalates in toys poses a significant health risk to children, prompting calls for more stringent safety measures.
The ongoing situation has sparked discussions about the need for heightened vigilance in the toy industry and among consumers, as the safety of children remains a paramount concern. As testing continues and more data is gathered, it is crucial for authorities to ensure that the products available on the market meet the required safety standards.
