Hungary Adds Defined Cobalt Permissions For Toys

Hungary has adopted an amendment permitting cobalt in three specified toy uses. Decree 10/2026, published on 2 November 2026, changes the authorised-use table in the country's toy-safety rules.

The amendment takes effect on 10 November 2026, the eighth day after publication. Its cobalt entry is classified as category 1B within the table of carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproduction-toxic substances, commonly called CMR substances.

Three Specified Uses

The new entry permits cobalt:

• As an impurity in nickel contained in stainless-steel toys and toy components.
• In toy components intended to conduct an electric current.
• In neodymium-based magnets used in toys, provided the magnets cannot be swallowed or inhaled.

These are defined permissions, rather than unrestricted approval for cobalt in all toy materials. The replacement table also retains nickel's existing permitted use in stainless steel.

Connection To The EU Toy Rules

The decree expressly implements Commission Directive (EU) 2026/192, adopted on 28 January 2026. That directive added the same cobalt uses to Appendix A of Annex II to the Toy Safety Directive.

The EU directive required member states to adopt and publish implementing provisions by 29 July 2026 and apply them from 29 August. Those dates are distinct from the Hungarian amendment's November commencement.

The directive explains the wider CMR framework. Exceptions can apply where concentrations meet the relevant limits, substances are inaccessible to children, or a use has been specifically permitted. The new cobalt entry concerns that last route.

Magnet Condition Remains Part Of The Permission

Both the EU entry and the Hungarian text attach the swallowing and inhalation condition specifically to neodymium-based magnets. The EU directive explains this by reference to magnets, toys and components that are not small parts under the relevant harmonised standard.