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Survey and release of chemical substances in "slimy" toys

2 Market analysis

• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 Statistics
• 2.3 Trade organisation
• 2.4 The producers
• 2.5 The retail trade
• 2.6 Phthalates

2.1 Introduction

It has been examined which types of products are on the market in Denmark. Furthermore, it has been examined which materials they are made of and which substances they contain, and to what extent they appeal to children and at which age group.

Going through the market for slimy toys has made it clear that they can advantageously be split up into two types of toys, direct and indirect slimy toys. The direct slimy toys are toys, which only consist of one component, while the indirect toys are toys, which consist of more components, of which the slimy toys are often found inside the toys. Usually, the indirect toys do not constitute the direct exposure. However, if the toy breaks, the consumer will be exposed to the slimy substance.

2.2 Statistics

According to Danmarks Statistik, the yearly consumption of articles from the category “Games, toys and hobby articles” constitute approx. 4 billions DKr. If one looks isolated at families with two adults and two children the yearly consumption constitutes approx. 1.7 billions DKr. corresponding to 3,567 DKr. per family. These figures have been slightly falling compared to year 2000. However, compared to year 1980 it is a doubling. The importers estimate that the category “slimy” toys constitute less than 1% of the total consumption.

2.3 Trade organisation

Contact has been made to the trade organisation Legetøjsbranchens Fællesråd (LF)

in order to gather information regarding the market for slimy toys. LF act as consultants to their members and make sure that they are upgraded with regard to new rules, laws, directives, news letters and warnings. In cases of doubt LF only interfere on product level. The trade organisation does not have their own code of practice, but they see to that the members comply with the legislation. Laws and rules are typically communicated to the trade organisation through the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and EuroCommerce.

Another trade organisation is the Joint Council for Creative and Hobby Materials (FFFH). The joint council is a confederation of producers, importers and dealers of hobby articles in Denmark. Today, the “joint council” consists of 25 companies evenly divided among producers, importers and dealers. They do, however, inform that the category slimy toys, as far as they know, are not included in their set of requirements for chemical toys.

2.4 The producers

The most part of slimy toys is produced in the East, either China or Taiwan. It has not been possible to procure information from these producers regarding the chemical composition of their products, usually referring to their fear for copying of these products.

2.5 The retail trade

The biggest importer of slimy toys in Denmark is K. E. Mathisen A/S (K. E. Leg), who informs that at present they have approx. 10 different products belonging to the category “slimy toys”, and two new are on the way. K.E. Mathiesen has a quality policy in this field, and the chemical composition of the products is being tested on a regular basis.

Another big importer is Top-Toy, which owns the BR-shops and the Toy's"R"US centres. Top-Toy also has a quality policy, and their products are being examined by a toxicological consultant, if the producer would not inform of the constituents of the product.

Slimy toys are considered a fashion phenomenon, and this type of sale is most often only large for a very limited period.

Slimy toys are most frequently sold as unique batches, which are not at the market for a long time, and consequently they should appeal to the so-called 10 DKr.'s markets. On application to this type of shops, they all informed that they do not sell slimy toys. They often see it on fairs, but they do not think it appeals to their customers.

Today, there are two big chains of groceries at the Danish market: Coop Danmark

(among others the chains of shops Kvickly, Irma, Fakta, SuperBrugsen, Dagli'Brugsen and LokalBrugsen) and Dansk Supermarkeds Gruppe (SG) (among others the chains of shops Bilka, Føtex, Netto and A-Z).

Both chains of groceries check that the toys are delivered with CE-mark. In cases of perfumery or make-up, the product complies with the Cosmetics- as well as the Toys Directive.

Occasionally, the net shops sell slimy toys, too. The products are most often imported by K.E. Leg and delivered with certification and marked “Not suitable for children under 3 years of age”.

2.6 Phthalates

Many slimy toys are manufactured from or containing plasticised plastic. A frequently used plasticiser for particularly PVC is phthalates.

As phthalates are suspected to be an endocrine disruptor, and some are classified as rep 2+3, The Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy have issued Statutory Order no. 151 of 15 March 1999 banning phthalates in toys for children at the age of 0-3 years and in some articles for small children etc. Everyone who produces, imports or sells one or more of the above-mentioned products, are responsible that the rule is obeyed according to the regulation.

According to a report of 2003 from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency Status on phthalates, Danish Trade & Service have prepared a plan for voluntary phasing out of phthalates in toys for older children.

Consequently, the examination has included screening for phthalates, among other things.

Description of products:

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Version 1.0 March 2006, © Danish Environmental Protection Agency