The Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (“Forum”) recently conducted a workshop regarding the so-called REF-10 project and subsequently released a workshop summary. The intent of the REACH-EN-FORCE (“REF”) project was to gather data on compliance with the EU’s chemical restrictions and obligations. The Forum is a network of authorities within the European Chemicals Agency (“ECHA”) responsible for enforcement of regulations, and it aims for harmonised enforcement of chemicals-related rules by Member States.

On 15 May 2024, the Council – which represents the Member States – announced that it has adopted its position (i.e., its negotiating mandate) on the EU’s revised toy safety legislation. The text updates the rules to protect children from risks related to the use of toys. While the current legislation (Directive 2009/48/EC) is already strict, the proposed legislation aims to (among other things) increase protection from harmful chemicals (e.g., endocrine disruptors) and strengthen the enforcement rules with a new digital product passport.

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An EU-wide enforcement initiative led by the ‘ECHA Forum’ has revealed elevated levels of hazardous chemicals, including lead and phthalates, in consumer products. A total of 18% of the scrutinised products were found to be in violation of EU laws. The non-compliance rate for articles was 20%, and for mixtures it was 9%. In addition, it was announced earlier this year that European enforcement authorities, in cooperation with customs, are investigating if companies fulfil their REACH registration and authorisation obligations for chemical products they import from outside the EU and the obligations related to restricted chemicals in articles.

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On 13 March 2024, the European Parliament adopted its legislative resolution on the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on the safety of toys. The Parliament has added tougher measures to the Commission’s originally proposed text which had been issued on 28 July 2023. If its amendments are accepted by the Council of the EU (which remains uncertain), Hong Kong traders will see more stringent measures than previously envisaged concerning the safety of toys implemented across all Member States.

Foreign investors from Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member states can now fully own electronic game businesses in Vietnam, effective from 14 January 2024. Under CPTPP rules, foreign investors in Vietnam’s electronic game sector were entitled to own up to 51% of such businesses. CPTPP rules state that five years after its entry into force in the relevant country, this cap on ownership would be lifted. The CPTPP took effect in Vietnam on 14 January 2019, hence the cap ended on 14 January this year.

Hong Kong has revised the city’s list of standards for toys and children’s products. These new standards will become effective on August 1, 2024.

This page lists the contact information of Hong Kong trade associations related to toys and games.