EU & UK Compliance and Safety Regulations for Children’s Books

Children’s books today come in many forms, from classic picture books to interactive editions with flaps, sound chips, plush elements, or even smart features. If you’re involved in publishing, printing, or importing these books, you’re also responsible for making sure they’re safe, clearly labeled, and meet the legal requirements in both the EU and UK.

This guide walks you through the essentials: when a book is legally considered a toy, what kind of safety testing is required, how to label everything correctly, and what’s changed since Brexit.

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A Practical Guide to UK/EU Children’s Books Compliance.

A helpful guide providing a comprehensive overview of EU and UK compliance for children’s books and toy safety

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Children’s Book or Children’s Toy? Classification Matters

One of the first steps is working out whether your book counts as a toy. That decision sets which rules apply. If it is a toy, you must meet toy safety law before you sell it in the EU or UK. If it is not, general product safety law still applies.

• Plain printed storybooks are not toys.
  A book made only of printed pages, with no play features, is not a toy. Toy rules such as CE or UKCA marking do not apply. The new EU Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 makes this clearer. It lists reading books for children over 36 months with no play value as outside its scope.

• Books with play features are likely to be toys
  Add pop-ups, textures, squeakers, mirrors, plush parts or removable pieces, and your book has “play value”. It is then usually treated as a toy, especially if it is aimed at young children.

• Books with electronics need extra checks
  Sound buttons, lights or batteries can bring in electrical and chemical rules on top of toy safety. Standards such as EN IEC 62115 and laws such as RoHS may apply. If the book connects by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, radio equipment rules apply too.

• Marketing can change the classification
  How you describe the book matters. If you promote it as a play item for toddlers, regulators may treat it as a toy, even if it looks simple.

• Which toy law applies

In the EU, it is the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The new Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 replaces it from 1 August 2030. In Great Britain, it is the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. Northern Ireland follows the EU rules.

Once your book is a toy, you need safety testing, a conformity assessment, warnings, traceability details and correct marking.

Core EU & UK Legal Framework

EU:

If your book is a toy, it must meet the Toy Safety Directive. If it is not a toy, it still falls under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which covers all consumer products. Since 13 December 2024, GPSR means every book needs the manufacturer’s name, postal address and electronic address, plus a product identifier. If the manufacturer is outside the EU, the book also needs an EU-based responsible person.

REACH covers chemicals, so inks, adhesives and coatings must meet its limits. Books with sound chips or lights must also meet RoHS (hazardous substances) and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). If the book connects wirelessly, the Radio Equipment Directive applies instead of EMC. Packaging now falls under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has applied since 12 August 2026. If your book links to an app or collects data, GDPR applies.

UK:

In Great Britain, the rules are similar but have different names. Toy books must meet the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. Other books fall under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. The UK also has its own versions of REACH and GDPR.

For toy books sold in Great Britain, you can use either the UKCA mark or the CE mark. The UK now accepts CE marking for toys indefinitely.

The UK is also reviewing its product safety rules under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. A consultation closed in June 2026, so expect new duties for online marketplaces and higher-risk products.

Northern Ireland follows EU product rules, so CE marking is required there.

Physical and Chemical Safety for Children’s Books

Even if your children’s book isn’t officially classified as a toy, safety still matters, especially for books aimed at babies and toddlers, who are more likely to chew, grab, or mouth the product. Here’s what to look out for:

Chemical Safety

• Avoid harmful heavy metalsInks, coatings, and finishes should be free from dangerous substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can be toxic if touched or ingested.
• Check adhesives and plasticsMaterials like glue, laminates, varnish, and plastic parts should comply with REACH (the chemical safety law in both the EU and UK). If your book has toy-like features, EN 71-3 may also apply, limiting how much of certain elements can migrate from the materials.
• Watch for SVHCsIf any component contains a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) above 0.1% of its weight, you’re legally required to disclose it under REACH regulations.
• Ask for documentationAlways request REACH or EN 71-3 compliance statements from your printer or manufacturer. This helps ensure your book meets legal standards and keeps young readers safe.

Physical / Mechanical Safety

• No small parts for under-3sBooks for children under three should not have any small detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Use safe, durable constructionOpt for rounded corners and strong, tear-resistant bindings to reduce the risk of injury or breakage during rough handling.
• Fabric and soft books need extra careMake sure seams are secure, no stuffing is exposed, and materials are safe to chew. Loose threads or fraying edges should be avoided.
• Secure battery compartmentsFor sound or light-up books, battery covers must be child-resistant. This usually means screwed shut and not accessible without tools.
• Avoid flammable materialsStay away from highly flammable foam, fabric, or plush elements, especially in books designed for very young children.

Taking these steps shows due diligence and, more importantly, helps keep young readers safe.

Testing and Standards for Toy Books

If your children’s book is considered atoy, safety testing isn’t optional. It’s legally required before you can sell it in the EU or UK. Here are the key standards that may apply:

• EN 71-1 – Mechanical and Physical PropertiesChecks for hazards like sharp edges, small parts, or strangulation risks. Ensures the book’s design and construction are safe for children.
• EN 71-2 – FlammabilityLimits how quickly materials such as fabrics, foams, or plastic parts can catch fire. Essential for books with plush or textured elements.
• EN 71-3 – Migration of Certain ElementsTests for toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury that could leach out if a child puts the book in their mouth.
• EN 62115 – Electrical Safety for ToysThis applies if your book includes electronics, such as sound chips or lights, and ensures that all components are safe to touch and use.
• RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous SubstancesLimits harmful substances (e.g., lead, mercury, chromium VI) in any electronic parts, like batteries, circuit boards, or wiring.

What’s Changing: The New EU Toy Safety Regulation

The EU has adopted a new Toy Safety Regulation, (EU) 2025/2509. It was published on 12 December 2025 and replaces the Toy Safety Directive from 1 August 2030. Until then, the current Directive still applies. Planning early will save you redesign costs later.

Key changes for toy books:

• Digital Product Passport. Each toy will need a digital record, reached by a QR code on the toy or its packaging. It holds the conformity details, CE marking information and manufacturer contact details.
• Tighter chemical rules. The Regulation bans PFAS, endocrine disruptors and a list of bisphenols in toys. It also lowers the limit for allergenic fragrances. Check your inks, coatings, glues and plastic parts with your printer.
• Clearer scope for books. Reading books for children over 36 months with no play value are outside the Regulation.
• Stronger duties for online sellers. Toys sold online must show the CE mark, warnings and safety information on the listing.

If your book has toy features and a long shelf life, design it to the new rules now.

Conformity & Marking for Children’s Books

If your book is a toy, follow these steps before you sell it in the EU or UK.

1. Carry out a safety assessment. Identify hazards such as small parts, sharp edges or chemical risks. Record how your design deals with each one.
2. Prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This is your formal statement that the book meets toy safety law. List the laws and standards you applied, such as EN 71 and EN IEC 62115.
3. Compile a technical file. Include:
   • Product design and specifications
   • The safety assessment
   • Test reports
   • The Declaration of Conformity
   • Copies of labels and warnings
   
   Keep the file for 10 years after the book is placed on the market.
4. Apply the correct mark.
   • EU and Northern Ireland: CE mark
   • Great Britain: UKCA mark or CE mark (both are accepted)
5. Add traceability details. The book, or its packaging where the book is too small, must show:
   • The manufacturer’s name, registered trade name or trade mark
   • A postal address and an electronic address (email or website)
   • The importer’s name and address, if the book is imported
   • A type, batch or serial number
   • For the EU, an EU responsible person if the manufacturer is outside the EU

Marking rules:

• CE and UKCA marks must be at least 5 mm high.
• They must be visible, legible and permanent.
• You can scale the mark, but you must keep its official proportions.

Warnings and Age Labels for Children’s Books

If your children’s book qualifies as a toy and contains small parts or other potential hazards, certain safety warnings are legally required.

Choking Hazard Warning (Mandatory)

You must include the standard warning text if your book contains small detachable parts:

“Warning: Not suitable for children under 36 months. Choking hazard – small parts.”

What must be included:

• The 0–3 warning symbol (a crossed-out baby face)
• A clear explanation of the specific hazard (e.g. “small parts”)
• The warning must be in the official language(s) of the country where the book is sold

Example:If your sticker activity book includes small, removable stickers, this warning must appear clearly on the packaging or front cover.

Optional Content-Based Age Labels

You can also add guidance like“Ages 4–6”to help buyers choose appropriately. These are optional, but if you use them:

• Make sure they don’t contradict mandatory safety warnings
• Avoid suggesting the book is suitable for under-3s if there’s a choking or other hazard present

Clear, accurate labeling not only ensures you’re meeting legal requirements—it also builds trust with parents and caregivers choosing safe, age-appropriate books for their children.

Imprint and Product Labelling for Children’s Books

For toy-classified children’s books, a properly structured imprint page (or a label on the back cover) can cover many of the required legal details in one place.

Imprint Example for a Toy-Classified Children’s Book

This page meets labelling, traceability, and conformity requirements.

Compliance for Digital & App-Linked Books

If your book connects to an app, has smart features or collects any user data, both data protection and product security rules apply.

Follow data protection law

• EU: GDPR
• UK: UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018

Both limit how you collect, store and share children’s data, such as names, device details or location.

Get parental consent where you rely on consent

If you offer an online service directly to children and use consent as your lawful basis, you need a parent’s consent for younger users.

• UK: under 13
• EU: under 16 by default. Some countries set a lower age, between 13 and 15, so check each market.

Design for children’s privacy

In the UK, the ICO’s Age Appropriate Design Code (the Children’s Code) applies to online services likely to be used by children. It expects high privacy settings by default and clear, child-friendly privacy notices. Write your privacy information in plain language that children and parents can both follow.

Avoid tracking and targeted ads

Children’s apps and digital books should not include:

• Behavioural tracking
• Profiling
• Targeted advertising

Regulators and app stores watch these closely.

Secure connected features

• EU: Books that connect by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi fall under the Radio Equipment Directive. Its cybersecurity rules have applied since 1 August 2025. The Cyber Resilience Act adds more. Manufacturers must report actively exploited vulnerabilities from 11 September 2026, and the full rules apply from 11 December 2027.
• UK: Connectable products must meet the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime. This means no default passwords, a way to report security issues, and a stated support period.

Meet app store rules

If your book links to an app, it must meet Apple App Store and Google Play policies for children’s content. That covers correct age ratings, clear privacy practices and suitable content.

Tip: Educational or entertainment content for children gets extra scrutiny from regulators and app stores. Build the checks into your plan early.

Environmental Compliance for Children’s Books

Children’s books, whether printed on paper or containing electronics, also need to meet environmental standards in both the EU and UK.

Paper Sourcing

• Deforestation-Free Requirement (EU):Under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), any book entering the EU must prove that its paper is deforestation-free. This applies to all printed paper products, including children’s books.
• Use Certified Paper:To show responsible sourcing, use FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified paper. These certifications help ensure the paper is sourced legally and sustainably.
• Due Diligence Statement (EU):Importers must file a Due Diligence Statement before bringing books into the EU market, confirming that the paper complies with environmental and legal sourcing rules.
• UK Timber Regulation:In the UK, similar requirements apply under the Timber Regulation. Paper must be legally harvested and traceable. FSC or PEFC certification is also strongly recommended here to meet compliance expectations.

Electronics (if included)

• If your book contains sound modules, lights, or any electronics:
  • RoHS & WEEE:If your book includes sound modules, lights, or any electronics, it must comply with RoHS (which restricts hazardous substances) and WEEE (which governs electronic waste).
  • Proper Labelling:Include the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol to show the product shouldn’t be thrown away with regular waste.
  • Battery Rules:Batteries must be removable and clearly labelled with chemical content and appropriate disposal symbols.

Packaging

• Use recyclable or eco-friendly materials where possible.
• In the EU, producers or importers must register with packaging waste compliance schemes. For example, Germany’s LUCID packaging register.
• Label packaging with material identification codes, such as:
  • PAP 21 for paperboard
  • PP 5 for polypropylene
  • PET 1 for plastic film

These steps not only ensure legal compliance. They also support sustainability and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Environmental Compliance for Children’s Books

Children’s books, whether plain print or with electronics, also need to meet environmental rules in the EU and UK.

Paper sourcing

• EUDR no longer covers printed books. Regulation (EU) 2025/2650 removed printed books, newspapers and other printed products (HS Chapter 49) from the EU Deforestation Regulation. You do not need to file a Due Diligence Statement for the books themselves.
• Your packaging may still be in scope. Paper and board that is not printed matter (HS Chapters 47 and 48), such as cartons or shipping boxes, can still fall under EUDR. The rules apply from 30 December 2026 for large and medium companies and from 30 June 2027 for micro and small companies. Read our EUDR update for publishers.
• UK Timber Regulations do not cover printed books. UK government guidance excludes printed products from the UK Timber Regulations. Paper and pulp can still be in scope.
• Certified paper is still good practice. FSC® or PEFC certified paper shows responsible sourcing. Many retailers and buyers expect it.

Electronics (if included)

• RoHS and WEEE: Books with sound modules, lights or other electronics must meet RoHS, which restricts hazardous substances. They also fall under WEEE, which covers electronic waste. Register with a WEEE scheme in each EU country where you sell.
• Crossed-out wheelie bin: Show this symbol so buyers know not to throw the product in household waste.
• Batteries: In the EU, the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 is replacing the old Batteries Directive. Its labelling rules are phasing in now. From 18 February 2027, users must be able to remove and replace portable batteries with commonly available tools. Keep the battery cover secured for child safety, for example with a screw.

Packaging

• PPWR has applied since 12 August 2026. Packaging placed on the EU market must meet the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, including limits on heavy metals. Harmonised sorting labels follow from August 2028.
• Register for packaging EPR. In the EU, producers and importers must register with national packaging schemes, such as Germany’s LUCID register. In the UK, packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) applies to larger producers.
• Use recyclable materials where you can. Paper-based packaging is usually the easiest to recycle.
• Material codes help sorting. Common ones include:
  • PAP 20 for corrugated cardboard
  • PAP 21 for non-corrugated cardboard
  • PAP 22 for paper
  • LDPE 4 for most plastic film and shrink wrap
  • PP 5 for polypropylene

These steps keep you compliant and appeal to buyers who care about sustainability.

Import/Export Responsibilities

If your book is printed outside the EU or UK, whoever brings it into the market takes on the importer’s legal duties. That may be you or your distributor.

Importer obligations

• Show the importer’s details. The importer’s name and postal address must appear on the book. If that is not possible, put them on the packaging or in an accompanying document.
• UK easement for EU and Swiss goods. For toys imported into Great Britain from the EEA or Switzerland, importers can put their details on accompanying documents until 31 December 2027. This does not apply to goods from other countries.
• Appoint an EU responsible person. Under GPSR, a book sold in the EU needs an economic operator based in the EU if the manufacturer is not. This applies to all books, not only toy books.
• Keep the documents. For toy books, keep the technical file and Declaration of Conformity available for 10 years after the book is placed on the market.

Customs and trade

• EORI number: Get a valid Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number for customs clearance.
• HS codes: Use the right Harmonized System (HS) codes. Children’s picture books usually fall under Chapter 49, while toy books may fall under Chapter 95.
• Paperwork: Prepare commercial invoices and customs declarations carefully. Errors cause delays and fines.

Northern Ireland

• EU rules apply. Northern Ireland follows EU product rules under the Windsor Framework. That includes CE marking for toys.
• Shipping from Great Britain: Books sent to Northern Ireland must meet EU safety, labelling and customs requirements.

Getting this right helps your books clear the border without delays.

Final Thoughts: Safer Stories, Smarter Compliance

Making children’s books that are safe, engaging, and legally compliant takes more than creativity. It takes planning, documentation, and a clear understanding of the rules. Whether you’re producing a simple picture book or one with sound modules, plush elements, or smart features, it’s essential to ask early:Is this classified as a toy? Do I need CE or UKCA marking? Has everything been tested, labelled, and documented properly?

Getting these answers before production helps avoid costly delays, fines, or recalls.

Euverify helps publishers, self-publishers, and product developers navigate EU and UK compliance with confidence. From lab testing and imprint guidance to building complete technical files, we simplify the process so you can focus on what matters most: creating great books for children.

Download our free guidefor a deeper look at toy classification, labelling, testing, and more.

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