EN71-1 Mechanical & Physical Properties Testing of Toys

EN71-1:2005+A4:2007 "Safety of Toys — Mechanical and Physical Properties" is published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is fully aligned with the EU Toy Safety Directive 88/378/EEC. It serves as the core regulatory basis for the production and quality control of toys exported to the EU. This standard applies to lightweight and small-volume toys intended for children aged 14 and under. The primary technical requirements are detailed below:

1. Materials

Toys and their manufacturing materials must be visually clean and free from contamination. Inspections are conducted with normal vision; magnification is not required.

2. Assembled Toys

• Child-Assembled Toys: Toys intended to be assembled by children require separate testing for individual components and the finished product (excluding toys where the assembly itself provides specific play value).

• Adult-Assembled Toys: Toys assembled by an adult before being given to a child are only tested as a finished product; individual parts are not tested.

• Instructions: Assembled toys must include detailed instructions indicating whether adult assembly is required, or if an adult must verify the assembly before use.

3. Flexible Plastic Sheeting

• For unsupported plastic sheeting with an area > 100mm × 100mm, the average thickness must be ≥ 0.038mm.

• If the thickness is < 0.038mm and the area is > 100mm × 100mm, it must be perforated across any 30mm × 30mm area, with the total hole area comprising ≥ 1% of the sheeting area.

• Plastic balloon thickness is measured directly on a double layer without inflating or breaking the balloon.

4. Toy Bags

Toy bags with an opening perimeter > 380mm and a drawstring closure must meet one of the following:

• Be made of air-permeable materials; or

• Have at least 2 ventilation holes, each ≥ 650mm², positioned ≥ 150mm apart.

5. Glass

Accessible glass is permitted in toys for children over 36 months, restricted to:

• Functionally necessary glass (e.g., optical toys, light bulbs, experimental glassware).

• Fiberglass used for reinforcement.

• Solid glass marbles and solid glass eyes for dolls.

6. Expanding Materials

Excluding seeds in planting kits. Any expanding toy/component that completely fits into the small parts cylinder must not expand more than 50% in any dimension after being submerged in 20°C purified water for 24h ± 0.5h.

7. Edges

Accessible edges must not present an unreasonable risk of injury:

• Metal/glass edges failing the sharpness test must undergo a risk assessment. Risk can be eliminated by folding, curling, or coating with plastic.

• Metal sheets with a thickness ≤ 0.5mm having a gap > 0.7mm to the underlying surface must comply with edge requirements.

• Metal edges (including fasteners and rigid polymers) must not have burrs that cause puncture/abrasion. Flexible polymer flash (e.g., polyolefins) is not considered a burr.

• Functional sharp edges on toys for children over 36 months require a warning label (excluding electrical conductors and microscope slides).

8. Points and Wires

Wires and accessible points must not present an unreasonable risk of injury:

• Accessible points failing the sharpness test require risk assessment. Pencil/drawing tool tips are not considered sharp points.

• Functional sharp points on toys for children over 36 months require a warning label (excluding electrical conductors).

• Wires/components designed to be bent (e.g., soft toy skeletons) must not break into sharp points or pierce the toy surface during flexibility testing.

• Wires not designed for bending but likely to be bent must also pass the flexibility test.

9. Protrusions

• Tubular or rigid protrusions with injury risks require protection. Protective caps must withstand a 60 ± 2N tension test without detaching.

• Toy umbrella rib ends must be protected. If the protection fails, the rib end diameter must be ≥ 2mm, smooth, hemispherical, and pass edge/point testing.

10. Moving Parts

10.1 Folding and Sliding Mechanisms

(Not applicable to toys with a seat width < 140mm)

• Prams/Strollers with collapsing risk (e.g., with handles): Must have 1 main lock + at least 1 secondary lock (at least one must engage automatically). They must not collaPSE, and locks must not fail/unlock during testing. Symmetrical dual locks count as 1 mechanism.

• Strollers without collapsing risk: Must have at least 1 manual locking or safety stop device; subject to the same test requirements.

• Other folding toys (e.g., ironing boards, folding chairs): Require safety stops/locks. Must not collapse during testing. Clearance between shearing parts must be ≥ 12mm.

• Other weight-bearing sliding toys: If a 5mm gauge can be inserted into moving gaps, a 12mm gauge must also fit.

10.2 Driving Mechanisms

(Not applicable if there is no injury risk)

• Drive mechanisms must be enclosed. After drop/impact tests, they must not expose sharp edges, points, or pinching hazards.

• Large/heavy toy drive mechanisms must remain safely enclosed after tip-over tests.

• Wind-up keys/handles gap: Must not allow a 5mm gauge, or must allow a 12mm gauge. Holes in keys/handles must not accept a 5mm gauge.

10.3 Hinges

Applicable if the hinge component weighs ≥ 250g: If a 5mm gauge fits into the hinge line gap, a 12mm gauge must also fit.

10.4 Springs

• Helical spring gaps > 3mm in any use position must be inaccessible.

• Extension spring gaps > 3mm at 40N tension must be inaccessible (unless they cannot recover their shape after tension removal).

• Compression spring gaps > 3mm at rest, bearing ≥ 40N during use, must be inaccessible (unless they deform permanently at 40N or wrap around a guide rod limiting probe insertion to ≤ 5mm).

11. Mouth-Actuated Toys

• Toys and detachable mouthpieces must not fit entirely into the small parts cylinder.

• Non-detachable mouthpieces must not fit the cylinder if they detach after soaking, torque, and tension tests.

• Toys containing loose parts (e.g., whistle balls, reeds) must not release any parts fitting the small parts cylinder after durability testing.

• Balloon mouthpieces must meet both aforementioned requirements.

12. Balloons

Latex balloon packaging requires the warning: "Warning! Children under 8 years can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once." Natural latex balloons must state "Made of natural rubber."

13. Cords on Kites & Flying Toys

Cords directly connecting a child, with a length > 2m, must have an electrical resistivity > 100MΩ/cm. Users must be warned to keep away from overhead power lines and avoid use during thunderstorms.

14. Enclosed Toys

14.1 Toys Children Can Enter

• Toys with doors/lids, internal volume > 0.03m³, and all dimensions ≥ 150mm must have at least 2 ventilation holes (≥ 650mm² each, ≥ 150mm apart), unobstructed in any orientation. (Exempt if permanently divided into spaces < 150mm).

• Doors/lids must open when 50N of outward force is applied (buttons, zippers, and similar fasteners are banned).

• Vertical hinged toy box lids require a support mechanism preventing sudden drops. Under its own weight, the lid must drop ≤ 12mm in any position between 50mm before closing and a 60° opening arc. Must withstand 7,000 durability cycles. Needs installation/maintenance instructions.

14.2 Masks and Helmets

• Impermeable masks/helmets fully enclosing the head require a ventilation area ≥ 1300mm² (e.g., 2 holes ≥ 150mm apart, or a single equivalent area).

• Rigid facial coverage (e.g., goggles, visors) must not expose sharp edges/points or release loose parts into the eyes after torque, tension, drop, impact, and compression tests.

• Replica protective gear (e.g., motorcycle/safety helmets) requires warning labels.

15. Toys Bearing the Mass of a Child

15.1 Child-Propelled or Driven Toys

(Excludes freewheeling skates/boards for < 20kg, tricycles, and handcarts)

• Instructions: Must include usage, assembly, and maintenance guides detailing potential risks. Skates/skateboards need a warning regarding protective gear and weight limits. Age warnings required if unsuitable for > 36 months.

• Strength: Must not expose hazards or collapse after static/dynamic testing.

• Stability: For children > 36 months, seat height must allow feet to touch the ground. Outer wheel track ≤ 150mm is considered a single wheel. Must pass tip-over tests.

• Brakes: Required on mechanical/electrical freewheeling toys. If ≥ 30kg, at least 1 lockable brake is required (test movement ≤ 5mm). Electric ride-ons must auto-cut power when off or when braking.

• Transmission & Wheels: Chain drive Side A (foot side) needs a full guard; Side B needs a crank guard. Guard slots must be ≤ 5mm and require tools to remove. Direct drive pedal slots ≤ 5mm. Wheel gaps: If a 5mm gauge fits, a 12mm gauge must also fit (excluding brakes/skates).

15.2 Freewheeling Toy Bicycles

• Instructions: Warning to wear a helmet, avoid public roads, and teach safe braking.

• Saddle Pillar: Requires a permanent minimum insertion mark (≥ 2.5 times the tube diameter).

• Brakes: Independent front/rear brakes required. Brake lever midpoint height ≤ 60mm, length ≥ 80mm. Test movement ≤ 5cm.

15.3 Rocking Horses & Similar Toys

• Bow rockers need movement limiters.

• Must not collapse/tip during strength/stability tests.

• Requires clear age warnings if unsuitable for children > 36 months.

15.4 Non-Propelled Toys (excluding household/outdoor equipment)

Must pass static strength and stability tests without collapsing or tipping. Requires usage/assembly instructions and age warnings if applicable.

15.5 Toy Scooters

Divided into two weight groups: ≤ 20kg and ≤ 50kg.

• Requires weight group labels, warnings, and usage instructions.

• Strength: Steering tubes must not collapse or detach during testing; locks must hold.

• Tubes: Adjustable steering tubes require tools or dual locks. Folding tubes need safe locking (shear gaps ≥ 12mm).

• Brakes: None required for ≤ 20kg. Others need at least 1 rear brake for smooth deceleration (holding force on slope < 50N).

• Dimensions: Front wheel diameter > 120mm. Handlebar ends diameter ≥ 40mm.

16. Heavy Still Toys

Stationary toys weighing > 4.5kg resting on the floor (not bearing a child's weight) must not tip over during stability testing.

17. Toy Projectiles

17.1 General Requirements

• Rigid projectile tip radius ≥ 2mm.

• Elastic impact protectors must survive tension testing.

• Spring-driven plane rotors need protective rings to reduce injury risks.

• Suction cup projectiles > 57mm long must lie flat under their own weight.

17.2 Non-Stored Energy Projectiles

Dart tips must be blunted or protected with elastic material (area ≥ 3cm²). Metal is banned, except for magnetic discs ≥ 3cm².

17.3 Stored Energy Projectiles

• Max kinetic energy: ≤ 0.08J for rigid projectiles; ≤ 0.5J for elastic ones.

• Arrow-like projectiles with energy > 0.08J require elastic impact protection. Max energy per area ≤ 0.16J/cm².

• Toys capable of firing non-standard items or exceeding 0.08J require hazard warnings. Design barriers preventing the use of non-standard projectiles are recommended.

17.4 Bows and Arrows

• No metal on arrow tips (magnetic discs ≥ 3cm² permitted).

• Max kinetic energy ≤ 0.5J. Arrow energy > 0.08J needs elastic protection (max ≤ 0.16J/cm²) and risk warnings.

18. Aquatic Toys

• Air inlets require permanent stoppers protruding ≤ 5mm when inflated. If detached during testing, they must not fit the small parts cylinder.

• Requires warning: "Warning! Only to be used in water in which the child is within its depth and under adult supervision."

19. Toy Percussion Caps

Under foreseeable use, they must not produce eye-damaging fragments, flames, or glowing residues. Packaging requires warnings.

20. Toys with Non-Electrical Heat Sources

(Excludes chemistry set burners, bulbs ≤ 2.5W, etc.)

• Toys must not catch fire during max power temperature rise testing.

• Handle/button limits: Metal ≤ 25K, Glass/Ceramic ≤ 30K, Plastic/Wood ≤ 35K.

• Other accessible parts limits: Metal ≤ 45K, Other materials ≤ 55K.

21. Small Balls

(Excludes soft-filled toys and pompoms). If a ball completely passes through template E, toys containing them (loose, detachable, or broken off during testing) require warnings.

22. Toys for Children Under 36 Months (General)

(Excludes paper, fabric, rubber bands, yarn, un-detachable crayons, balloons, clay, etc.)

• Toys and detachable parts must not fit into the small parts cylinder.

• Parts detached during abuse testing must not fit the cylinder or have sharp edges/points.

• Metal tips/wires with diameter ≤ 2mm passing the sharpness test still require risk assessment.

• Large/heavy toys undergo tip-over tests but not drop tests.

• Glued wood or plastic-patched toys require additional soaking tests to evaluate risks.

• Toy casings for infants unable to sit up must not break during abuse tests (non-hazardous cracks are acceptable).

• Foam toys/components must not tear into small parts during torque/tension tests.

23. Stuffing Materials

• Soft stuffing must lack hard/sharp contaminants (e.g., metal bits, needles).

• Soft toys containing small internal parts (e.g., rattles, foam pieces) must have durable casings. If tearing exposes small parts, or if seam tension tests create a gap where probe A can enter, it fails (unless the gap poses no obvious hazard).

• Note: Foam is considered a tearable stuffing, while paper, fabric, yarn, and fluff are not.

24. Plastic Film Adhesion

If plastic film detaches from a toy during adhesion/tension tests with an area > 100mm × 100mm, its average thickness must be ≥ 0.038mm.

25. Toy Cords and Strings

• Cord thickness (minimum dimension) ≥ 1.5mm (excluding ribbons).

• Pull toy cords forming loops: free length ≤ 220mm at 25N, or must safely separate into segments ≤ 220mm (and reattach).

• Under 25N pull, string loop perimeter must be ≤ 380mm.

• Self-retracting cords must have a mechanical rebound force < 10N.

• Cords fixing toys to cribs/prams: max length ≤ 750mm at 25N (and ≤ 40% stretch limit). Requires a warning to remove the toy when the child begins to crawl to prevent entanglement.

26. Liquid-Filled Toys

Inaccessible liquids must not leak during testing. Liquid-filled teethers require a "Do not freeze" warning.

27. Speed of Electric Ride-On Toys

Maximum speed must be ≤ 8 km/h.

28. Glass and Ceramics

Banned for accessible parts in toys intended for children under 36 months.

29. Specific Toy Shapes & Dimensions

(Excludes soft toys and rigid parts ≤ 30mm). For infants unable to sit up (e.g., rattles, squeezers, teethers):

• Weighing ≤ 0.5kg: No part may protrude beyond the base of template A during geometry testing.

• Weighing ≤ 0.5kg with near-spherical/bell-shaped ends: No part may protrude beyond the base of template B.

30. Monofilament Toys

Monofilaments attached to a fabric base with an upright length > 50mm require warnings.

31. Small Balls (Strict rule for < 36 months)

Toys must not be small balls or contain detachable small balls. Abuse testing must not release any small balls.

32. Preschool Play Figures

Characterized by round/spherical heads, narrow necks, cylindrical bodies, and total length ≤ 64mm. The round head must not protrude beyond the base of template B (features like hats/hair that do not alter the round shape are still subject to this).

33. Hemispherical Toys

Applies to cup/bowl shapes (outer diameter 64–102mm, depth > 13mm, volume < 177ml). Must feature at least one of the following to prevent facial sealing:

• At least 2 openings near the edge (≥ 13mm from edge).

• An internal divider extending to ≤ 6mm from the opening plane.

• 3 exterior rim holes spaced ≥ 100° apart.

• A scalloped rim pattern with adjacent peaks ≤ 25mm apart and ≥ 6mm deep.

34. Suction Cups

Loose, detachable, or tethered suction cups (including those detached during abuse testing) must not fully pass through template E.

35. Packaging

(Excludes tearable shrink wrap and perforated films)

• Flexible plastic bags (inner/outer) with an opening perimeter > 380mm must have an average thickness ≥ 0.038mm.

• Such bags must not use drawstring closures.

36. Acoustic Requirements

• Close-to-ear toys: Free-field A-weighted sound pressure level ≤ 80dB; ear coupler measurement ≤ 90dB.

• Rattle/Squeeze toys: A-weighted single-event ≤ 85dB; C-weighted peak ≤ 110dB.

• Percussion cap toys: C-weighted peak ≤ 125dB.

• Other toys: C-weighted peak ≤ 115dB.

• Requires a hearing risk warning if the C-weighted peak > 110dB.

• (Excludes mouth-actuated toys, child-actuated physical instruments like drums, and playback devices with headphones).