GETTY Pens and crayons could be banned

FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Many children's colouring materials will no longer be sold across Europe after the Brussels bloc reportedly banned a range pencils, crayons and even watercolours. The union tightened its restrictions over the limits of lead in children’s toys following concerns children could be eating pencils instead of colouring with them, according to German paper BILD. But one MEP has blasted the decision, claiming the European Union should be focussing on much bigger issues instead of on children’s toys.

GETTY The ban was imposed to prevent children eating pencils

MEP Markus Ferber, Member of the CSU, said: "It would be better to tackle the big problems rather than restrict children in their creativity." Nearly all children's colours contain the filler kaolin and the white pigment titania, which are minerals found in the Earth's crust. Because they occur naturally, they contain the slightest trace of lead which can not be completely removed even using chemical materials.

Juncker's most cringe-worthy kisses Wed, September 13, 2017 Jean-Claude Juncker's many signs of affection Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 19 Jean-Claude Juncker (L) kisses vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans

It would be better to tackle the big problems rather than restrict children in their creativity MEP Markus Ferber, Member of the CSU

From now on pens can only be soled if they contain 2 milligrams of lead per kilogram of toy material, instead of the current 13.5 milligrams. Lead levels in watercolours have also been reduced down to just 0.5 instead of 3.4 milligrams. Those products outside of those limits will not be able to be sold in the EU, Bild said.

GETTY The union tightened its restrictions over the limits of lead in children’s toys

GETTY Pens can only be sold if they contain 2 milligrams of lead per kilogram