EU Toy Standard EN 71 Compliance Certification

EN 71 is the EU toy safety standard established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It ensures that toys sold in the European market meet specific safety requirements, particULarly concerning performance and testing methods related to children's toys. Its primary aim is to protect children's safety and prevent potential risks. Compliance with EN 71 is a legal requirement for toys sold in the EU market. Toy manufacturers must ensure their products meet EN 71 standards through appropriate testing and evaluation.

Scope: Products or materials intended for children under 14 years old.

EN 71-1: Safety of Toys - Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties

Standard: EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018

Specifies safety requirements for mechanical and physical properties for toys intended for children from newborn to 14 years old. It also includes requirements for packaging, marking, and instructions.

Key test items: Sharp point test, sharp edge test, small parts test, compression test, bending test, impact test, seam tensile strength, tensile test, torque test, noise level, dynaMIC strength, packaging film thickness, projectile toys, hair attachment strength, etc.

Special requirements are outlined for toys intended for children under 36 months, 18 months, and those who cannot sit up unaided. As per Directive 2009/48/EC, "intended for use" refers to reasonable judgment by parents or guardians based on a toy’s function, size, and features. For example, simple plush toys for hugging or holding are consideRED intended for children under 36 months.

EN 71-2: Safety of Toys - Part 2: Flammability

Standard: EN 71-2:2020

Toys must have sufficient fire resistance when exposed to ignition sources and must self-extinguish quickly to ensure children can escape fire-related accidents.

Includes:

- General requirements prohibiting highly flammable materials (e.g., celluloid, unless used in coatings or ping-pong balls).

- Specific flammability requirements and test methods for high-risk toy categories such as:

- Headgear (wigs, masks, beards, etc.)

- Toy costumes

- Toys intended for children to enter (e.g., play tents)

- Soft-filled toys

Additional Restrictions: Toys must not contain flammable gases, extremely flammable liquids, or gels, except under certain conditions (e.g., up to 15 ml in containers or sealed inside writing instruments).

Cleaning Requirements (Directive 2009/48/EC): Toys for children under 36 months must be cleanable. Textile toys should be washable unless immersion would damage their mechanism.

en 71-3: Safety of Toys - Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements

Standard: EN 71-3:2019+A1:2021

Ensures materials and chemicals used in toys do not contain harmful substances, especially for toys for younger children.

Regulatesmigration of 19 elements:

Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium (III & VI), Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Selenium, Strontium, Tin, Organic Tin, and Zinc.

Material Categories:

- Category I: Dry, brittle, powder-like, or pliable

- Category II: Liquid or sticky

- Category III: Scrapeable surfaces

Packaging is excluded unless it's part of the toy or has play value.

EN 71-4: Safety of Toys - Part 4: Experimental Sets for Chemistry and Related Activities

Standard: EN 71-4:2020

Covers experimental sets for activities such as crystal growing, CO₂ generation, and refills. Does not include olfactory board games, cosmetic kits, or tasting games.

Specifies restrictions on various chemicals (solvents, dyes, etc.) used in toys to avoid health hazards.

EN 71-5: Safety of Toys - Part 5: Chemical Toys (Other Than Experimental Sets)

Sets requirements for chemical toys excluding those in EN 71-4. Covers paints, inks, and other substances, including limits on harmful components and tests for abrasion and scratch resistance.

EN 71-6: Safety of Toys - Part 6: Graphical Symbol for Age Warning Label

Specifies that toys not suitable for children under 3 years must bear age warning labels. Warnings may be in text or symbol form and must meet EN 71-1 requirements, displayed clearly in any language.

EN 71-7: Requirements for Finger Paints

Defines maximum allowed content of soluble elements (e.g., molybdenum, tin) in finger paints. Lists permissible colorants and preservatives, limits for 8 heavy metals, primary aromatic amines, and sets physical property requirements for finger paints.

EN 71-8: Swings, Slides, and Similar Activity Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Family Domestic Use

Specifies safety requirements for activity toys (e.g., swings, slides) in structure, materials, and performance.

Includes:

- Toys with crossbeams or structures designed for children under 14

- Individual accessories or components for these toys

- Toys designed for single or multiple children

Excludes:

- Public playground equipment (EN 1176)

- Rocking toys (EN 71-1)

- Toy pools with water depth >400 mm

- Toy trampolines

en 71-9: General Requirements for Organic Chemical Compounds in Toys

Covers exposure routes (oral, dermal, ocular, inhalation) for harmful organic compounds in toys, excluding chemical toys, experimental sets, or finger paints (covered in other EN 71 parts).

Packaging materials are excluded unless part of the toy or having play value.

EN 71-10: Sample Preparation and Extraction for Organic Compounds

Describes procedures for preparing and extracting samples in toys for testing organic compounds as required in EN 71-9.

EN 71-11: Methods of Analysis for Organic Compounds

Outlines analytical methods for certain restricted organic compounds in toys (e.g., phthalates, PAHs, nitrosamines) to ensure child safety during contact or use.

EN 71-12: Nitrosamines and Nitrosatable Substances

Standard: EN 71-12:2016

Specifies migration limits and testing methods for N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances in elastomer materials and finger paints.

Applies to:

- Toys made of elastomers for children under 3

- Elastomer toys intended to be mouthed

- Finger paints for children under 3

EN 71-12:2013 was recognized as a harmonized standard under Directive 2009/48/EC on June 29, 2013.

EN 71-13:2021+A1:2022 Olfactory Board Games, Cosmetic Kits, and Gustative Games

Regulates substances and mixtures used in olfactory board games, cosmetic kits, and gustative games. Specifies banned allergens, labeling requirements, ingredients list, usage instructions, required equipment, and restrictions on highly flammable liquids.

EN 71-14:2018 Trampolines for Domestic Use

Now includesin-ground trampolines, which must comply when exported to the EU.

Types:

1. Above-Ground In-Ground Trampolines: Frame above ground level—must have enclosures.

2. Level In-Ground Trampolines: Frame level with ground—must have enclosure or 1-meter soft zone around jumping area.

Pad Deflection Factor: Revised from 2.5 to 5.0 (except for mini trampolines). In-ground trampolines have stricter deflection-ground clearance requirements.

Revised Sections: Trampoline types, structure, material durability, finger entrapment, mat deflection, tools, warnings, marking and instructions, testing methods, and safety principles.