Alarming data has emerged from inspections of children’s toys in Cyprus: nearly one in three plastic toys tested over the past five years was found to contain chemical substances exceeding permitted limits.
The figures were presented by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas in response to a question from MP Charalambos Theopemptou. According to the data, the recall rate for plastic toys due to phthalates ranged from 14.6% (2023) to 33.3% (2025), with this year recording the worst performance.
The inspection process envisages two scenarios: where a violation concerns labelling, importers are given time to make corrections. However, if a product contains banned or restricted substances, a recall notice is issued and the toys are destroyed in the presence of an inspector.
Recalls primarily involve substances falling under the restrictions of the EU’s REACH Regulation. Overall, across all product categories — not just toys — the share of non-compliant items has at times reached as high as 50%.
The findings highlight the need to strengthen market surveillance, particularly regarding low-cost imports, which remain the primary target of regulatory authorities.
