Baar (July 28, 2026) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 094.26, highlighting draft legislation notified by the United Kingdom to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that would allow the use of cobalt in certain toy applications in Great Britain.

Cobalt is commonly found in pigments, colorants, metal and electrical components and magnets, and is a potential component in emerging applications, including materials used in toy 3D pens and 3D printers.

The draft law, which proposes revisions to The Toys (Safety) Regulation 2011 (‘the Toys Regulation’, S.I. 2011 No 1881), was notified to the WTO in June 2026. The proposed changes apply to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and would permit the use of cobalt in specified toy applications.

Appendix A of the proposed amendment adds an entry for cobalt, which would impact stakeholders across Great Britain’s toy supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other intermediaries. The amendment is proposed to enter into force on March 8, 2027.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 094.26 includes a helpful table summarizing the proposed permitted uses of cobalt.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 094.26 for more details.

SGS toy and juvenile product services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s toy and juvenile product services. [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/toys-and-juvenile-products]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full UK Consults Over Proposal to Permit Cobalt in Certain Toys for Great Britain SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2026/07/safeguards-09426-uk-consults-over-proposal-to-permit-cobalt-in-certain-toys-for-great-britain]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information, contact Media Inquiries or:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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