CEN publishes EN17826 to address chemical hazards in childcare articles

SG 193/25

In December 2025, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published a new standard that provides safety requirements for chemicals used in childcare articles.

To consistently address chemical hazards in childcare articles within the scope of the European Technical Committee TC252 CEN published in December 2025 a general standard that will be used as a reference for future revisions of vertical childcare articles standards.

In Europe, childcare articles fall under the scope of the Regulation on General Product Safety (GPSR – EU 2023/988). This regulation establishes a general safety requirement but does not specifically address chemical substances. However, Article 28 of the Regulation allows for the adoption of temporary ‘emergency’ measures, which may include setting limit values for chemicals in consumer products.

Additional restrictions on certain chemical substances are provided in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006), which concerns the “restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations,” as amended. Manufacturers of childcare articles must comply with these provisions whenever they apply to the product type or materials used.

The Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP – EC 850/2004) prohibits the production, placing on the market and use of chemical substances listed in Annex I, including those present in articles. These requirements also apply to childcare products.

Furthermore, substances restricted under other regulations – such as the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) (TSD) or Packaging Directive (94/62/EC) – or existing certification schemes may also be present in childcare articles and should therefore be subject to similar limitations, considering young children’s behavior including mouthing, inhalation and absorption.

For the majority of the requirements, this new standard includes chemical requirements that, at the time of publication, are not included in any European Directive or Regulation.

The new standard EN17826, made available on December 10, 2025, provides information on test methods and requirements limiting following substances:

• Migration of certain elements, as listed in the TSD
• Flame retardants not listed yet, in the REACH or POP regulations. The restriction of the standard still applies, if flame retardant substances are used for other purposes
• Aniline, with a limit similar to the one used in the TSD
• Allergenic fragrances are listed, such as in the TSD
• Formaldehyde: the limit in REACH, Annex XVII – entry 72, has been reduced from 75 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg as in the TSD
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): the list of substances provided in REACH, Annex XVII – entry 50, is supplemented by some additional substances that are already included in the German GS certification scheme
• Formamide: restriction is provided for large parts of foam, based on the TSD

The scope of this new standard includes all childcare articles covered by CEN Technical Committee 252 i.e. safety barriers  and bed guards, baby carriers and child carriers, pushchairs and prams, carry cots, baby nests and carry cot stands, bath tubs and bathing aids, changing units, reclined cradles and infant swings, chair mounted seats  and table mounted chairs, child's seats for bicycle, baby bouncers, children's harnesses and reins, baby walking frames.

The list of products does not include soothers, soother holders, drinking equipment and cutlery and feeding utensils, as they require very product specific chemical requirements which are already given in the respective standards

Childcare equipment and children’s furniture must meet strict safety, quality and performance requirements. With a global network of experts and laboratories, SGS can address the testing, inspection, risk assessment and technical documentation requirements for products, as well as conduct factory and social audits to ensure your supply chain is compliant too. Contact us for more information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.