Brussels is not planning to impose any specific legislation on sex toys in the “near future”, the European Commission said.
That comes in response to a question from left-wing Portuguese MEP Sara Cerdas, who suggested that regulations controlling the safety aspects of sex toys may be prudent considering what she said was their increasing popularity.
“Does the Commission plan to introduce its own regulations for these products in the near future?” Cerdas asked.
“How is the safety of these devices guaranteed in the EU?”
Responding to the query, European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said that, while such products do have to obey EU safety rules, the bloc had no plans to implement specific sex-toy legislation in the short term.
“Since there is no sectorial legislation regulating specifically sex toys, these products and their risks fall within the scope of the [EU General Product Safety Regulation] and are therefore covered by EU rules,” Reynders said.
“It should be noted that the Commission does not intend to table such a sectorial legislative proposal on sex toys in the near future.”
He emphasised that existing rules should cover specific dangers related to such products raised by Cerdas.
She had argued that direct contact sex toys had with things such as “mucous membranes” could pose additional problems over more standard non-consumable products sold within the European market.
Reynders said: “Manufacturers have to assess the safety of their products and Market Surveillance Authorities need to monitor the compliance of products with the general safety requirement.
“This notably entails carrying out checks on safety characteristics of products before and after placing on the market, up to the point of use and consumption and taking corrective measures where necessary.
“In other words,” the Commissioner added, “sex toys need to be safe when placed on the EU market.”
Selling sex is unacceptable, says Germany’s chancellor, who calls for a crackdown on prostitution. https://t.co/SW2MEN8edH
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) November 16, 2023
