The European market of wooden toys

Abstract

Wooden toys, which have a very long history, are nowadays the subject of increased demand and relevance since ecological products are gaining ever more importance and value in society. This is the reason why wooden toys were chosen as the subject of this research, while special attention was paid to wooden puzzles. The aim of this research was to determine the trade volume in these products on the EU market in the period 2000-2021, the countries that are the most important for the supply of wooden toys, as well as the countries that are the biggest importers of these products. In addition to the above, another aim of this research was to identify the regulations governing the marketing of toys on the EU market. Toys, including wooden ones, that are placed on the EU market must be produced in accordance with the requirement of the toy safety Directive 2009/48/EC and standard EN 71. They have to have the CE mark and accompanying CE documentation. In addition, toys must be produced in accordance with the requirements of the REACH regulation that restricts the use of heavy metals in the product, i.e. its packaging. Wooden toys are not subject to the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).