Since 1999 the European Commission has prohibited the use of phthalates in children's toys. This product is especially dangerous in toys placed in the mouth by babies and small children, because the absorption of phthalates may exceed the maximum

daily dose and have a long-term impact on health.

Six phthalates are prohibited in this type of toy: di-iso nonyl phthalate (DINP), di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP or DNBP), di-iso-decyl phthalate (DIDP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP).

In 2005, the ban was made permanent by an EU Directive (2005/84/EC). The Directive broadened the ban to include not only toys but also childcare articles as they can be placed in the mouth by small children. A childcare article is any product

intended to facilitate sleep , relaxation, hygiene, the feeding of children, or sucking on the part of children.