Austria's Toy Safety Regulation updated: new safety annex implements EU Directive 2026/192
BGBl. II Nr. 225/2026 amends the Austrian Toy Safety Regulation 2011 (Spielzeugverordnung 2011) by inserting a comprehensive new Annex 2 (Anlage 2) that transposes EU Directive 2026/192 of 29 January 2026. Toys still meeting only the old version of Annex 2 may continue to be placed on the market until 28 August 2026; full compliance with the updated rules is mandatory after that date.
What changed
A new, comprehensive Annex 2 (Anlage 2) is added to the Toy Safety Regulation 2011, setting mandatory requirements in six areas: physical and mechanical properties (structural strength, choking and strangulation risks, noise limits), flammability, chemical safety (CMR substances, allergenic fragrances, element migration limits), electrical properties, hygiene, and radioactivity. Annex A of Annex 2 explicitly lists nickel (CMR category 2) and cobalt (CMR category 1B) as permitted CMR substances in specific toy applications.
Who is affected
Toy manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers placing toys on the Austrian market are directly affected. Specialised product categories — aquatic toys, cosmetic toys (e.g. play make-up), electrically operated ride-on vehicles, and toys combined with food — face targeted additional requirements.
What to look out for
Toys that comply with the old Annex 2 but not the new version (BGBl. II Nr. 225/2026) may remain on the market until 28 August 2026. Nickel and cobalt are permitted as CMR substances only in defined applications: stainless-steel toy parts and electrically conductive parts (both); cobalt is additionally permitted in neodymium magnets that cannot be swallowed or inhaled. The previous transitional provision (§ 16 paragraph 3, covering 2022 deadlines) has been repealed.