A Play-Safe Guide to EU/UK Compliance for Pet Toys
Pet toys are not toys in the legal sense. Toy safety law only covers products made for children under 14 to play with. Instead, pet toys are general consumer products.
In the EU, that means the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) (EU) 2023/988. In Great Britain, it means the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Both require products to be safe for the people who use them or come into contact with them. That includes owners, and children who may pick up a pet toy at home.
GPSR does not directly cover harm to the animal itself. But designing for the pet’s safety is still good practice. It protects your customers, your brand and you from product liability claims.
REACH controls the chemicals in materials in both the EU and the UK. If your product has electrical parts, batteries or textiles, further rules apply.
EU and UK GPSR Compliance for Pet Toys
Overview of EU and UK Compliance for Pet Toys
In both the EU and the UK, pet toys are usually seen as regular consumer products, which means they fall under general safety laws rather than rules made just for pet items. The EU now follows the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR 2023/988), while the UK sticks with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. On top of that, both regions have strict rules under REACH to make sure the materials and manufacturing processes are safe, so no harmful chemicals end up in your pet’s toy box.
EU/UK Key Regulations for Pet Toys
1. General Product Safety (EU/UK)
In the EU, pet toys fall under GPSR (EU) 2023/988, which has applied since 13 December 2024. In Great Britain, the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 apply. They were carried over into UK law after Brexit. Northern Ireland follows the EU GPSR.
Both laws require products to be safe in normal use and in reasonably foreseeable misuse. For pet toys, think about risks such as:
- Choking on small parts that come loose, especially if a child picks up the toy
- Sharp edges or points that could cut the owner
- Harmful chemicals in materials people handle
- Parts that break or fail during use
The UK is reviewing its product safety rules under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. A consultation closed in June 2026, so expect changes.
2. REACH Chemical Safety
The EU uses REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006. Great Britain has its own UK REACH.
- Restricted substances: Both restrict substances such as lead, cadmium, certain azo dyes and PAHs. They also restrict four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) above 0.1% in plasticised materials in all consumer articles.
- SVHCs: If an article contains a Substance of Very High Concern above 0.1% by weight, you must tell your business customers. You must also answer consumer requests within 45 days.
- SCIP database (EU only): EU suppliers must also notify these articles to ECHA’s SCIP database. Great Britain has no SCIP equivalent.
The easiest way to stay compliant is to test your raw materials and finished products.
EU/UK Labelling & Traceability for Pet Toys
Clear labels let authorities trace every product to a responsible business. Your product, its packaging or an accompanying document must show:
- Manufacturer details: name, registered trade name or trade mark, a postal address and an electronic address (email or website)
- Importer details: name and postal address, if the product is imported
- EU responsible person: if the manufacturer is outside the EU, the product needs an EU-based economic operator, such as an authorised representative or importer. Their name and contact details must appear on the product, packaging or accompanying documents.
- Product identifier: a type, batch, serial or model number
- Warnings and instructions: clear, easy to understand and in the official language of each country where you sell. A useful warning for pet toys is “Not a toy. Keep away from children.”
Selling online
Under GPSR, your online listing must show:
- Manufacturer name, postal address and electronic address
- EU responsible person details, if the manufacturer is outside the EU
- Product identifier and an image of the product
- Warnings and safety information
Marketplaces such as Amazon now check for these details and may block listings without them.
Testing & Product Safety for Pet Toys Compliance
Mechanical and Physical TestingThese tests check that a product can handle everyday use without breaking or causing harm. They mimic real-life scenarios like biting, pulling, and dropping. Even though EN 71-1 is made for children’s toys, it’s often used for pet toys to check for things like sharp edges, small parts, and overall stability.
Chemical TestingSince pets love to chew and lick, chemical safety is essential. Testing looks for harmful substances like heavy metals, phthalates, BPA, certain dyes, and SVHCs. EN 71-3 is widely used for heavy metal checks, and saliva simulation tests help make sure materials stay safe over time. Some brands also test for allergens and bacteria to go the extra mile.
Flammability TestingFlammability testing isn’t required by law, but it’s a smart move, especially for soft toys and pet beds. Tests like EN 71-2 check how easily materials catch fire, offering added peace of mind for products used around the home.
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
Pet Toys
- Ensure Compliance
- Reduce Risk
- Streamline Documentation
- Supports market access
Get it now for just £40!
Risk Assessment & Technical Documentation for Pet Toys
Both the EU and UK require detailed risk assessments to identify potential hazards. These should cover things like choking, chemical exposure, strangulation, and fire risks. The results help shape the product’s design, safety labels, and instructions for use.
Technical documentation supports compliance claims and should include:
- Product descriptions and materials.
- Design and manufacturing details.
- Risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Test reports and certificates.
- Copies of labels, warnings, and instructions.
- Standards and guidelines followed.
Documentation must be retained for at least 10 years in the EU, and at least 6 years is strongly advised in the UK.
Market Surveillance
EUIn the EU, national authorities like France’s DGCCRF and Germany’s Gewerbeaufsicht handle market surveillance. The Safety Gate system (formerly RAPEX) helps quickly share alerts about unsafe products across member states. Authorities can inspect products, issue fines, seize goods, and even order recalls or bans when needed.
UKIn the UK, market surveillance is managed by Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). The OPSS runs a national alert system and coordinates enforcement. While serious violations can lead to criminal charges, authorities usually aim to work with businesses to fix issues through voluntary compliance.
EU/UK Compliance for Other Pet Products
Pet clothing
Pet clothing should have no small parts a pet or child could swallow, and no loose cords. Materials must meet REACH. If a product is 80% or more textile fibre by weight, the EU Textile Labelling Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 requires a fibre label, such as “100% polyester”. The UK has similar rules.
Pet accessories
Collars, leads and harnesses should be strong and well made. As good practice:
- Test leads and fittings well above the pet’s weight
- Use breakaway buckles on cat collars
Electric shock collars: Using remote-controlled shock collars on cats and dogs has been banned in England since 1 February 2024 and in Wales since 2010. Several EU countries also restrict them. Check each market before you sell.
Pet furniture and bedding
Beds, cat trees and scratching posts should be stable and sturdy so they do not tip or collapse. Use non-toxic materials. Beds made mostly of textile need a fibre label.
Carriers, crates and enclosures
Carriers should close securely but open quickly in an emergency. Check for sharp edges and gaps that could trap paws or fingers.
Grooming tools and muzzles
Tools should have no unintended sharp edges. Muzzles must let pets breathe, pant and drink.
Edible chews and treats
Edible chews and treats are animal feed, not general products. They fall under EU and UK feed law, which sets rules for ingredients, hygiene and labelling. GPSR does not apply to them.
Final Takeaway
Compliance is about delivering safe, high-quality products that protect pets and reassure consumers. As regulations evolve and customer expectations rise, staying on top of compliance can give your business a real edge. Euverify is here to help you navigate the process, reduce risk, and build long-term success in the EU and UK pet markets.
Want the full picture? Download our free guide for a clear, detailed look at what EU and UK compliance for pet toys means.
Appoint Your EU Representative & Ensure Compliance for Your Pet Toys
- Stay compliant with EU regulations
- Hassle-free representation for Pet Toys
