​Brussels, 25 November 2025 – The European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC) welcomes today’s adoption of the EU Toy Safety Regulation (TSR) by the European Parliament, an important step forward in safeguarding children’s health and ensuring that products circulating in the European market meet the highest safety standards.

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Although most celebration and decorative products are not classified as toys, they are often used in environments where children are present, such as birthdays, family gatherings and themed events. For this reason, EBPC supports any measure that strengthens consumer protection and increases confidence in safe, compliant products.

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A positive step - but enforcement remains the critical missing piece.

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Across Europe, reputable manufacturers and responsible brands consistently meet or exceed stringent EU requirements. However, the most significant safety risks continue to stem from illegal, non-compliant goods entering the EU, particularly via online marketplaces and third-country sellers who exploit regulatory gaps. This challenge is shared across the broader consumer products landscape, as reflected in today’s parliamentary vote and in the concerns raised by other sectors.

While the new TSR introduces modern tools, including a Digital Product Passport, updated chemical safety requirements, and clearer obligations for economic operators, the Regulation alone will not stop unsafe products from reaching European consumers.

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To truly protect children, enforcement must match ambition.

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The EU’s own rapid alert system consistently lists toys and celebratory items among the most frequently notified unsafe products, with chemical risks representing nearly half of these alerts. Many of these products are shipped directly to consumers from non-EU sellers who do not comply with existing rules, and who often face little or no accountability.

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EBPC urges policymakers, Member States and online marketplaces to:

• Strengthen market surveillance capacity to keep pace with rising online sales

• Ensure online platforms take responsibility when facilitating sales from non-EU sellers who provide no EU-based accountable person

• Increase customs checks, particularly on high-risk product categories

• Prioritise enforcement actions against rogue traders rather than placing new administrative burdens on compliant SMEs

• Ensure practical, proportionate implementation of new documentation and digital passport requirements so that European SMEs can continue to operate competitively

 

A balanced, proportionate roll-out is essential

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The balloon and celebration-products sector is largely made up of SMEs - family-owned manufacturers, importers and distributors that already invest heavily in compliance, safety, sustainability and consumer education. EBPC supports the objectives of the new Regulation but stresses that implementation must be workable, proportionate and cost-effective.

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“European companies have been producing safe, compliant celebration products for decades,” said Suteesh Chumber, Director-General of EBPC. “The new Toy Safety Regulation reflects modern consumer realities, but its success depends entirely on enforcement. Without strong action against illegal and non-compliant imports, especially from unregulated online platforms, the rules risk punishing responsible businesses while unsafe products continue to reach families across Europe.”

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Protecting children is the priority

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EBPC remains committed to promoting responsible celebration, advancing safety and sustainability across the sector, and working closely with EU institutions, national authorities and industry partners such as TIE to ensure that consumers can trust the products they purchase.

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The EBPC will support members in understanding and preparing for the transition to the new Regulation, including implications for digital product passports, warnings, chemical requirements, and the strengthened role of online platforms.

 

Submitted on behalf of:

European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC)

 

Suteesh Chumber

Director General