EU Toy Safety Standard EN 71-1:2026
On 28 January 2026, the Central Secretariat of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) officially issued the new edition of the European toy safety standard, EN 71‑1:2026 Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties, to the national standardization bodies of its member states.
On 28 January 2026, the Central Secretariat of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) officially issued the new edition of the European toy safety standard, EN 71‑1:2026 Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties, to the national standardization bodies of its member states.
Implementation Timeline
• By 31 July 2026: CEN member states shall complete the transposition into national standards.
• By 31 July 2027: All conflicting national old standards shall be withdrawn.
• 12 months after publication: Expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and become a harmonized standard under the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
Main Updates of the New Standard
01 Definitions
Some definitions have been updated, added, and deleted. Key additions include definitions for monorail/multi‑rail ride‑on toys, toy balance bikes, and stabilizer wheels.
02 Mechanical and Physical Properties Requirements and Testing
Performance Requirement | Testing Requirements |
Expanding materials | A new compliant case and test method referencing ASTM F963 are added: the material, after expansion, can completely pass through a 20.0 mm diameter gauge hole. |
Enclosed toys | For toys accessible to children and those that can enclose the head, a new compliant case for ventilation hole groups formed by multiple ventilation holes and a test method for measuring the ventilation area of such groups are added. |
Toys intended to bear the weight of a child | Toy scooters: New requirements for gaps between wheels and body; new impact tests and requirements for handlebar ends; new torque tests and requirements for handlebar stem to fork stem connection; updated stability requirements. |
Toy balance bikes: New clauses covering requirements and corresponding test methods for gaps, front wheel diameter, handlebar ends, brake systems, minimum insertion depth markings for adjustable handlebar stems and seat posts, clamping of handlebar stems and seat posts, stability, static and dynamic strength, warnings/labels/instructions for use and maintenance. | |
Toy bicycles: New requirements and test methods for front wheel diameter and handlebar ends; updated requirements and test methods for brake levers and braking performance (hand brake and foot brake); new clamping requirements and test methods for handlebar stems and seat posts; new requirements and tests for stabilizer wheels (distance between stabilizer wheels, rear wheels and ground; stabilizer bracket strength); updated requirements for warnings/labels/instructions for use and maintenance. | |
Monorail/multi‑rail ride‑on toys: New clauses covering requirements for gaps, push bars, drive chains, handlebar ends, brake systems, minimum insertion depth markings for adjustable handlebar stems and seat posts, stability, static and dynamic strength, warnings/labels/instructions for use and maintenance. | |
Other non‑wheeled ride‑on toys (pogo sticks, hopper balls, sleds): New clauses covering requirements for stability, static and dynamic strength, warnings/labels/instructions for use and maintenance. | |
Special toy categories | Projectile toys: Deletion of the rounding requirement for adjacent edges of the front end of projectiles for non‑energy‑storing projectile toys (toy catapults/elastic band projectiles, non‑energy‑storing projectile toys where energy is stored only when held by the user) (Clause [4.17.3.2](4.17.3.2)). |
Water toys and inflatable toys: Updated requirements and exemption requirements for large inflatable water ride‑on toys. | |
Food‑imitating toys: New clauses establishing identification rules and requirements for realistic food‑imitating toys (non‑small parts). |
03 Warnings and Instructions for Use
(1) Toys not suitable for children under 36 months
New requirement: When an age warning symbol is used instead of the warning “Not suitable for children under 3 years”, the word WARNING shall be placed prior to or above the age warning symbol.
(2) Toys intended to bear the weight of a child
For protective device warnings on toy scooters, toy balance bikes, and toy bicycles, the use of warning signs from EN ISO 7010 is newly permitted.
Updated warnings for maximum user weight for toy roller skates, toy inline skates, and toy skateboards.
Updated requirements for instructions for use and maintenance of toys intended to bear the weight of a child.
Consolidated and grouped dispersed warnings and instructions for such toys into a single clause (Clause 7.14).
JJR Reminder
Relevant toy enterprises are recommended to promptly monitor the technical changes in the new standard, focus on the update points of high‑risk products, ensure continuous and efficient compliance with EU market access requirements, safeguard children’s safety, and enable smooth sales in the EU market.
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