Authorities have raised serious concerns over the safety of plastic toys in Cyprus, as data shows that up to one in three products tested between 2020 and 2025 contained illegal levels of hazardous chemicals.
Statistics provided by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas reveal a fluctuating but persistent problem with phthalates in children’s toys. In 2020, 29.3% of tested toys were withdrawn. This figure rose to 31.5% in 2022 and reached a peak of 33.3% in 2025, after a brief dip to 14.6% in 2023.
The issue extends to other consumer goods. Although data for 2020 is unavailable, half of all general items tested in 2021 were withdrawn due to phthalates. By 2025, the withdrawal rate for general items dropped to 8.3%.
The figures were released in response to a parliamentary question from MP Charalambos Theopemptou. Mousiouttas explained that the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI) either demands product improvements or orders the destruction of non-compliant goods.
In cases where labelling errors occur, the DLI issues a “Compliance Notice” and temporarily seizes the stock until the company fixes the issue. However, if a product contains banned or restricted chemicals, it is immediately withdrawn.
“In cases where corrective actions for product compliance cannot be taken… the DLI proceeds with the delivery of a ‘Withdrawal Notice’,” Mousiouttas said. These products are then counted and destroyed by the distributor in the presence of an inspector.
Most withdrawals over the last five years involve items containing chemicals restricted under the REACH Regulation, the minister added.