Introduction
Since December 2025, NF EN 17826 has set stricter chemical requirements for childcare articles, including baby bathtubs (source: economie.gouv.fr, DGCCRF, notice of 9 March 2025 in the JORF, the French Official Journal). At the same time, the rules on BPA have been tightened since January 2025. Here is what this means in practice.
1. The EN 17072 standard: what is it?
A European standard specific to infant bathtubs. It covers:
- Structural strength: the bathtub must support a baby’s weight without deforming
- Stability: no tipping over under normal conditions of use
- No sharp edges or mechanically hazardous parts
- Migration of chemical substances from the tub material
Testing is carried out by accredited bodies (Intertek, Bureau Veritas). A bathtub that has passed EN 17072 testing has undergone real physical tests in an independent laboratory – that is the fundamental difference from a simple self-declared CE marking.
Our Treelys foldable baby bathtub with stand has been tested to EN 17072 by Intertek and also tested by Eurofins: foldable bathtub with stand
2. NF EN 17826 (December 2025): the new chemical requirements
Published in December 2025. It sets stricter chemical requirements for childcare articles that come into contact with a child’s body:
- Formaldehyde: maximum level lowered and extended to more materials (including bathtub coatings)
- SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern, ECHA list): every childcare article must be checked against the updated list
- Azo dyes: restriction extended to synthetic materials in prolonged contact with the skin
If you are buying a baby bathtub in 2026: check that the product was tested after December 2025 to be sure it complies.
3. BPA regulations in 2026
Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, in force since 20 January 2025 with a transition period until 20 July 2026, bans BPA and certain other bisphenols in food-contact materials.
Watch out: some manufacturers advertise their products as BPA-free without specifying whether substitute bisphenols (BPS, BPF) have been tested for and ruled out. Only OEKO-TEX certification or an accredited test report covering all identified bisphenols can confirm this.
4. Bath thermometers: specific regulations
Baby bath thermometers are subject to the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU). A digital thermometer built into a bathtub must display a reliable temperature to within ±0.5°C. Check that the thermometer has been tested for accuracy.
5. Accidents involving baby bathtubs: official figures
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in everyday life among children under 5 in France (NOYADES survey, Santé Publique France, the French public health agency). Home bathtubs account for 15 % of drownings in babies under 1 year old. In summer 2025, the total number of drownings in France rose by 14 % compared with 2024 (source: Assurance Prévention, Santé Publique France 2025).
Essential safety rules:
- Water temperature: 37°C (a thermometer is a must)
- Never leave a baby alone in the bath, not even for a second
- Empty the bathtub immediately after every use
- No bath seat or bath ring replaces active supervision
Complete guide to bath time: Baby’s Bath: A Complete Guide to Safe, Stimulating and Calm Bath Time
Conclusion
In 2026, regulatory requirements for baby bathtubs are stricter than they have ever been. Before you buy, insist on documented certification. Comparative buying guide: How to Choose a Baby Bathtub: Complete Comparison (Freestanding, Foldable, Classic) 2026
