EU proposes new restrictions on CMR in childcare products under REACH
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 14, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 065.26, reporting on the European Union’s plans to regulate carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substances in childcare products under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 ‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals’ (REACH).
In April 2026, the European Commission introduced a draft regulation to restrict CMR category 1A and 1B substances in childcare products by adding a new entry to Annex XVII of REACH. The proposal establishes a general concentration limit of 10 mg/kg for CMR 1A and 1B substances in homogeneous materials, alongside specific limits for certain substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, bisphenols and heavy metals.
It also introduces a legal definition for ‘childcare products’, meaning any product, other than a substance on its own or in a mixture, designed to facilitate seating, sleep, relaxation, hygiene, feeding, sucking, transportation or protection of children. The proposal also outlines the scope of restrictions, including several exemptions for particular product categories and use conditions.
If adopted, the new requirements would affect a wide range of stakeholders across the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers and retailers of childcare products.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed of regulatory developments that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 065.26 highlights the proposed restrictions and their potential implications for compliance under REACH. It also includes a summary of key provisions in the draft law, including specific concentration limits for restricted substances.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 065.26 for further details.
SGS toy and juvenile product services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s toy and juvenile product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Plans to Regulate CMR Substances in Childcare Products under REACH SafeGuardS.
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Dr. HingWo Tsang
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Website: https://www.sgs.com/hardlines
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