Ultimate Guide: What is EN71?

Are you a toy manufacturer or distributor trying to figure out the maze of toy safety rules in the European Union? Are you worried about making sure your toys are safe enough to sell in the EU, so you don’t get in trouble? The safety rules are confusing, and you have to follow them.

Think about what would happen if you had to recall your toy because it wasn’t safe. You’d lose a ton of money, your company would look bad, and you might get sued. Parents want to know the toys they buy for their kids are safe. If they find out the toys you sell aren’t safe, they won’t buy from you anymore.

That’s where EN71 Toy Safety Testing comes in. These are the safety rules you have to follow if you want to sell toys in the European Union. The rules were written under the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC, and you have to follow them if you want to sell toys in the EU, no matter where they were made. Following EN71 rules doesn’t just keep you out of trouble with the government. It shows parents you care about making safe, good-quality toys they can trust.

Table of Contents

1. What is EN71 Toy Testing?
2. Why Do I Need an EN71 Test Report?
3. What Are the Requirements for EN71 Toy Safety Testing?
4. How to Get Toys EN71 Certified?
5. Can I Use a Test Report from My Supplier?
6. Is EN71 the Same as CE?
7. What are the Best Practices for Maintaining EN71 Compliance?

What is EN71 Toy Testing?

EN71 Toy Safety Testing is a big set of safety rules you have to follow if you want to sell toys in the European Union. These rules were written under the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC, and you have to follow them if you want to sell toys in the EU, no matter where they were made.

Why Do I Need an EN71 Test Report?

The primary purpose of these standards is to ensure toys are safe for children to use. Toys that are poorly designed or made with hazardous materials can pose serious risks like choking, poisoning, or injury.

• Choking hazards: The standards set strict requirements on the size and durability of toy components to prevent choking risks, especially for young children.
• Chemical exposure: Limits are placed on the use of certain chemicals and toxic substances like lead, phthalates, and heavy metals in toy production.
• Fire and electrical hazards: Requirements are set for fire safety and electrical components to prevent fires or shocks.

What Are the Requirements for EN71 Toy Safety Testing?

1. Mechanical and Physical Properties (EN 71-1):

• Ensures toys don’t have sharp edges or small parts that could cause harm.
• Tests for structural integrity and potential hazards during normal use.

2. Flammability (EN 71-2):

• Evaluates the fire safety of toys and their components.
• Tests how quickly a toy might catch fire and spread flames.

3. Chemical Safety (EN 71-3):

• Limits the migration of certain elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Tests for harmful substances that could be ingested or absorbed by children.

4. Experimental Sets for Chemistry (EN 71-4):

• Specifies safety requirements for chemistry sets and related activities.

5. Chemical Toys (EN 71-5):

• Covers non-experimental chemical toys and sets.

6. Graphical Symbols for Age Warning Labeling (EN 71-6):

• Provides guidelines for age warning symbols on toy packaging.

7. Finger Paints (EN 71-7):

• Sets safety standards specifically for finger paints.

8. Activity Toys (EN 71-8):

• Covers safety for swings, slides, and similar toys for domestic use.

9. Organic Chemical Compounds (EN 71-9, 10, 11):

• Specifies requirements, sample preparation, and analysis methods for organic chemicals in toys.

10. N-Nitrosamines and N-Nitrosatable Substances (EN 71-12):

• Limits these potentially harmful substances in toys.

11. Olfactory Board Games and Cosmetic Kits (EN 71-13):

• Sets safety standards for these specific types of toys.

12. Trampolines (EN 71-14):

• Specifies safety requirements for domestic trampolines.

13. Additional testing requirements include:

• Age-appropriate design and labeling.
• Electrical safety for electronic toys.
• Packaging and warning label assessments.
• Abuse testing to simulate rough play.

To pass EN71, your toys have to pass a bunch of physical and chemical tests done by labs that are allowed to do the tests. They test your toys to see if they’re made right, if they’re safe, and if they follow all the rules so you can sell them in the European Union.

How to Get Toys EN71 Certified?

1. Determine Applicable Standards: Identify which EN71 standards apply to your specific toy product. Most toys need to comply with at least EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-3, which cover mechanical/physical properties, flammability, and chemical safety respectively.

2. Contact Accredited Laboratories: Reach out to accredited testing laboratories authorized to conduct EN71 testing, such as SGS, Intertek, TÜV SÜD, and Bureau Veritas.

3. Submit Toy Samples: Provide the lab with toy samples for testing. The number of samples required depends on the toy and tests needed.

4. Conduct Tests: The lab will perform the relevant tests according to the applicable EN71 standards, including physical/mechanical tests, flammability tests, and chemical analysis.

5. Receive Test Report: If the toy passes all required tests, the lab will issue an EN71 test report or certificate, documenting compliance.

6. Maintain Documentation: Keep the test report on file. While there is no official EN71 certification mark, you can state that the toy is “EN71 compliant” if you have a valid test report.

7. Re-test as Necessary: Periodically re-test or re-evaluate the toy if there are any changes to its materials or design to ensure ongoing compliance.

8. Ensure Proper Labeling: Make sure the toy is properly labeled and documented when selling in the EU market.

Can I Use a Test Report from My Supplier?

Yes, you can generally use an EN71 test report from your supplier, but there are some important factors to consider:

1. Validity: Ensure the test report is current and hasn’t expired. EN71 test reports typically have an expiration date.

2. Relevance: The report should be for the exact product you’re importing. Even minor changes in materials or design can invalidate a previous test report.

3. Accreditation: Verify that the testing laboratory is accredited to perform EN71 testing. You can check accreditation status through organizations like UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).

4. Completeness: The report should cover all relevant parts of EN71 for your specific toy (at minimum EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3 for most toys).

5. Authenticity: It’s advisable to verify the authenticity of the report directly with the testing laboratory if possible.

6. Legal Responsibility: Remember that as the importer or distributor, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with EU toy safety regulations, not your supplier.

7. Regular Updates: Toy safety standards can change, so it’s important to stay informed about any updates to EN71 that might affect your product.

8. Product Consistency: Ensure that the toys being manufactured consistently match the specifications of the tested sample.

While using a supplier’s EN71 test report can be a good starting point, it’s often recommended to conduct your own testing, especially for new products or when entering new markets. This helps ensure full compliance and reduces risks associated with relying solely on supplier-provided documentation.

Is EN71 the Same as CE?

No, EN71 is not exactly the same as CE, but they are closely related. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and relationship between EN71 and CE:

1. EN71

• EN71 is a specific set of European safety standards for toys.
• It consists of multiple parts (EN71-1 through EN71-14) covering various aspects of toy safety like mechanical properties, flammability, chemical composition, etc.
• EN71 provides detailed technical specifications and testing methods for toy safety.

2. CE

• CE (Conformité Européenne) is a broader certification mark indicating conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).
• It’s not specific to toys but applies to many product categories.
• CE marking is mandatory for products covered by specific EU directives.

3. Relationship

• EN71 is part of the requirements for CE marking of toys.
• To obtain CE marking for toys, manufacturers must comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, which includes adherence to EN71 standards.
• CE marking on toys indicates compliance with EN71 as well as other applicable directives and standards.
• The CE mark is affixed to the toy itself, while EN71 compliance is demonstrated through testing and documentation.

In summary, EN71 provides the detailed safety standards for toys, while CE marking indicates that a toy meets those standards (among others) and is approved for sale in the EU market.

What are the Best Practices for Maintaining EN71 Compliance?

Maintaining EN71 compliance is crucial for ensuring the safety of your toys and meeting the regulatory requirements in the European Union. Here are some best practices for maintaining EN71 compliance:

Initial Testing: Test all of your toys thoroughly against all relevant safety standards in EN71 before you launch them.

Periodic Testing: Regularly test your toys, especially if you make them continuously over long periods, to ensure they continue to meet the standards.