EU EN71 Certification Testing for Mechanical Toys

A detailed explanation of the en71 certification and testing process for mechanical toys exported to the EU, compiled based on EU regulatory requirements and testing practices:

Pre-Certification Preparation

1. Confirm Applicable Standards

• Core Standards:

• EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 (Physical and Mechanical Properties)

• EN 71-2:2020 (Flammability)

• en 71-3:2019 (Migration Limits for 19 Heavy Metals)

• Special Requirements:

• Electro-mechanical toys must additionally comply with EN IEC 62115 (Electrical Safety).

2. Prepare Samples and Documents

• Sample Quantity: 3 to 5 complete finished products (including packaging and user manuals).

• Technical Documents:

• Product design drawings, Bill of Materials (BOM) (metal/plastic/coating components);

• Circuit diagrams (for electric toys);

• Age warning labels (applicable for small parts or complex functions).

Key Steps in the Testing Process

Stage 1: Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing (EN 71-1)

• Main Items:

• Drop Test: Dropped 5 times from a height of 85cm to check structural integrity.

• Tension Test: Pulling small parts with a 90N force (to prevent swallowing risks).

• Sharp Edge Detection: Evaluating whether metal/plastic edges could cut the skin.

• Moving Parts Testing: Verifying pinching risks of gears, hinges, etc.

Stage 2: Flammability Testing (EN 71-2)

• Applicable Scenarios:

• Toys containing textile materials (e.g., plush mechanical dolls) require burning rate testing.

• Flammability assessment of the battery compartment in electric toys.

Stage 3: Chemical Safety Testing (EN 71-3)

• Testing Methods:

• Simulating gastric juice immersion to determine the migration of 19 heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.

• Focusing on hazardous substances in coatings and plastic components.

Stage 4: Electrical Safety Supplement (If Applicable)

• Electro-mechanical toys require additionally:

• Battery overheating and short-circuit protection testing (EN IEC 62115).

• Circuit insulation and leakage current inspection.

Certification and Compliance Steps

1. Submission to Laboratory:

• Select a CNAS-accredited laboratory with en71 standard qualifications (such as JJR LAB).

2. Obtain Test Report:

• Cycle: About 5-7 working days for routine testing; extended for complex products.

3. Sign Declaration of Conformity:

• Issue an EC Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming the product complies with the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).

4. Affix ce marking:

• The ce marking must be clearly printed on the product/packaging, with a minimum size of ≥5mm.

Precautions for Enterprises

1. Avoiding High-Risk Points:

• Avoid using soft plastics with excessive phthalates.

• Dynamic/moving components (such as gear sets) require physical isolation protection.

2. Market Access Requirements:

• Cross-border e-commerce platforms (such as Amazon) require the uploading of a complete EN71 test report.

• Retain technical documents for at least 10 years for spot checks by EU regulatory authorities.

Summary Flowchart

• A [Sample Preparation]

• B [EN71-1 Physical Testing]

• C [en71-2 Flammability Testing]

• D [EN71-3 Chemical Testing]

• E {Electric?} --> |Yes| F [EN IEC 62115]

• G [Generate Test Report]

• H [Sign DoC]

I [Affix CE Marking]