SG 014/26
The European Union (EU) has authorized the use of cobalt in three specified toy applications.
On January 29, 2026, the EU issued Directive (EU) 2026/192, amending Appendix A of Annex II to Directive 2009/48/EC on toy safety (Toy Safety Directive, TSD, current consolidated version to December 2022) by permitting the use of cobalt, a carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction substance (CMR substance), in three defined applications.
Cobalt and several of its salts, including cobalt sulfate, cobalt di(acetate), cobalt dinitrate, cobalt dichloride and cobalt carbonate, are classified as carcinogenic category 1B, mutagenic category 2 and toxic for reproduction category 1B under Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation, current consolidated version to September 2025).
With this amendment, cobalt becomes the second CMR substance permitted for specified uses under the TSD.
Key highlights of the inclusion of cobalt to the TSD are summarized in Table 1
| Substance (classification) | Permitted use | Effective date |
| Cobalt (CMR 1B) |
| August 29, 2026 |
Table 1. Appendix A of Annex II to TSD ‘List of CMR substances and their permitted use’
It is important to note that the EU has recently issued its Toy Safety Regulation (TSR). With the exception of several provisions that will apply from January 1, 2026, the TSR will apply from August 1, 2030. (SafeGuardS 187/25)
With a global network of toy laboratories and EU Notified Bodies in France and Germany, we help ensure full compliance with the EU Toy Safety Directive and future EU Toy Safety Regulation. Our internationally recognized laboratories are strategically located in key manufacturing zones and transit points worldwide. No matter where in Europe your toy will be sold, we help you meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
Protect children and your brand – partner with us to navigate the complex EU Toy Safety Directive. Contact us to learn more, or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. This publication or website is a property of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. All contents including website designs, text, and graphics contained herein are owned by or licensed to SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. The information provided is for technical and general information purposes only and offers no legal advice. The information is no substitute for professional legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. All information is provided in good faith “as is”, and SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, and does not warrant that the information will be error-free or meet any particular criteria of performance or quality.
Ground Floor, Hazel House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare,
W91 PXP3,
Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
