Toys: South Korea restrictions on heavy metals and phthalates in children’s products

South Korea restricts the contents of Heavy metals, Phthalates, and Nitrosamines in children’s products since 4 June 2020. As a result, manufacturer and importer of children’s products should test products to ensure not to exceed the maximum thresholds.

Children’s Products Safety Special Act is to limit the contents of hazardous substances in children’s products such as toys and textiles intended to be used by children aged under 13. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy set out subordinate regulations along with the Act since 2017.

Heavy metals contents in paints, coatings, and paper should not exceed the maximum limits as follows.

• antimony – 60mg/kg;
• arsenic – 25mg/kg;
• barium – 1,000mg/kg;
• cadmium – 75mg/kg;
• chromium – 60mg/kg;
• lead – 90mg/kg;
• mercury – 60mg/kg; and
• selenium – 500mg/kg. 

The total contents of lead and cadmium shall not be more than 100mg/kg and 75mg/kg, respectively.

The phthalates including DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate), DINP (Diisononyl phthalate), DIDP (Diisodecyl phthalate), DnOP (Di-n-octyl phthalate) should not exceed 0.1%.

For oral products used by infants aged under 36 months, such as dummies and toothbrushes, Nitrosamines, and potential substances that can produce Nitrosamines – which can increase the risk of cancer- should not be more than 0.01mg/kg.

Formaldehyde in textiles contacting with skin should not exceed 75mg/kg. Aromatic amines are limited to 30mg/kg, which is applied to dyed textiles. The pH of all products should be in the range of 4.0-7.5. 

Affected stakeholders and implications

Children’s products manufacturer and importer should comply with a new standard by testing their products. The contents of Heavy metals, Phthalates, and Nitrosamines in children’s products are restricted.

Last update: 10/22/2020