myyk@kaubad.ee
Kaubad.ee
Safety and compliance · 3 min read

Requirements for branded products: packaging, food contact and toys

In the eyes of the law a branded product is an ordinary product. A mug must meet food contact rules, a soft toy the toy safety rules and packaging the EU packaging regulation, even when the product is given away for free. Responsibility lies with whoever places the product on the market, but it pays for the buyer to know what to ask.

Deadlines

13.12.2024General Product Safety Regulation applies
12.08.2026EU packaging regulation applies
1.08.2030new Toy Safety Regulation

Packaging: PPWR

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, PPWR, applies from 12 August 2026. From the same day PFAS, the so called forever chemicals, are restricted in food contact packaging. Next steps: harmonised sorting labels from 2028, and by 2030 packaging must be recyclable, with requirements for reuse and recycled content also coming in.

For branded products this means: use as little packaging as possible, prefer paper and single material packaging, and check whether a gift box is recyclable.

Food contact products

  • Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 covers all materials in contact with food or drink: mugs, bottles, lunch boxes and chopping boards.
  • Declaration of compliance. Plastic products need a written declaration of compliance (Regulation (EU) No 10/2011), and it is worth asking for one for other materials too.
  • BPA ban. Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A in food contact materials from 20.01.2025. The transition period ended for most products on 20.07.2026, for some it runs until 20.01.2028.
  • Ceramics. Ceramic tableware has limits for lead and cadmium (Directive 84/500/EEC). The logo goes on the outside of the mug, not on the drinking rim.

Toys and soft mascots

If a product is designed for play by children under 14, it is a toy, even when it carries a logo and is handed out at a trade fair. A toy must carry the CE marking and meet the EN 71 standards. A soft mascot or a puzzle for children needs the same checks.

The new Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 applies from 1 August 2030. It tightens chemical rules, for example banning PFAS and hazardous bisphenols in toys, and requires a digital product passport for every toy.

Reflector requirements are covered in branded reflectors, mug printing in mug printing.

Lunch boxes, bottles and soft toys

Curroca lunch box
AP721819
Curroca lunch box
From 7.09 €/pc100 pcs · unprinted · excl. vat

A product for children or for food? Ask before you order, we will check the requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a branded mug have to meet food contact rules?

Yes. Every product in contact with food or drink must meet Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, whether it is sold or given away.

When does the EU packaging regulation apply?

From 12 August 2026. Some requirements, such as harmonised labels and recyclability, apply between 2028 and 2030.

Does a branded soft toy need CE marking?

Yes, if it is designed for children to play with. The toy must meet the EN 71 standards.

Figures: Kaubad.ee catalogue, prices excluding VAT and indicative.

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