Introduction
Since December 2025, NF EN 17826 has set enhanced chemical requirements for childcare articles, including baby bathtubs (source: economie.gouv.fr, DGCCRF, opinion of March 9, 2025, in the JORF). At the same time, BPA regulations have been strengthened since January 2025. Here's what's concretely changing.
1. EN 17072 standard: what is it?
European standard specific to infant bathtubs. It covers:
- Structural resistance: the bathtub must support the weight of an infant without deformation
- Stability: no tipping under normal use conditions
- Absence of sharp edges and mechanically dangerous parts
- Migration of chemical substances from the tub material
Tests are carried out by accredited bodies (Intertek, Bureau Veritas). An EN 17072 certified bathtub has undergone real physical tests in an independent laboratory—this is the fundamental difference from a simple self-declared CE marking.
Our Treelys foldable baby bathtub with stand is EN 17072 Intertek certified and Eurofins tested: https://treelys.com/products/baignoire-pliable-avec-support
2. NF EN 17826 (December 2025): new chemical requirements
Published in December 2025. It sets enhanced chemical requirements for childcare articles in contact with the child's body:
- Formaldehyde: maximum level lowered and extended to more materials (including bathtub coatings)
- SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concern, ECHA list): all childcare articles must be checked against the updated list
- Azo dyes: restriction extended to synthetic materials in prolonged skin contact
For a parent buying a baby bathtub in 2026: check that the product was tested after December 2025 to ensure its compliance.
3. BPA regulation in 2026
Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, in force since January 20, 2025, with a transition period until July 20, 2026, prohibits BPA and certain bisphenols in food contact materials.
Vigilance point: some manufacturers communicate on the absence of BPA but do not specify whether substitute bisphenols (BPS, BPF) have been tested and excluded. Only an OEKO-TEX certification or an accredited test report covering all identified bisphenols can ensure this.
4. Bath thermometers: specific regulation
Baby bath thermometers are subject to the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID 2014/32/EU). A digital thermometer integrated into a bathtub must display a reliable temperature accurate to ±0.5°C. Check that the thermometer has been tested for accuracy.
5. Accidents related to baby bathtubs: official figures
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under 5 in France (NOYADES survey, Santé Publique France). Domestic bathtubs account for 15% of drownings in babies under 1 year old. In summer 2025, the total number of drownings in France increased by 14% compared to 2024 (source: Assurance Prévention, Santé Publique France 2025).
Fundamental safety rules:
- Water temperature: 37°C (thermometer mandatory)
- Never leave baby alone in the bath, not even for a second
- Empty the bathtub immediately after each use
- No bath seat or ring replaces active supervision
Complete guide to bathing practice: https://treelys.com/blogs/eveil-developpement/bain-bebe-guide-securite-baignoire
Conclusion
In 2026, regulatory requirements for baby bathtubs are stricter than ever. Before any purchase, demand documented certifications. Comparative buying guide: https://treelys.com/blogs/guides-conseils-dachat/choisir-baignoire-bebe-comparatif-guide
