Loopholes in EU toy law could endanger children

NEW legislation to make toys safer will still allow manufacturers to put goods on the market that could be lethal to children, consumer groups have warned.

Millions of toys manufactured in China had to be recalled last year and 750 export licences were withdrawn when a range of dangerous substances and parts were discovered in them.

As a result of the recent deluge of dangerous toys, the European Union is updating its 20-year-old toy safety rules. However, consumer groups believe the major overhaul contains too many loopholes that will allow unscrupulous manufacturers to continue to make dangerous playthings.