What are the EN 71-13 Toy Safety Requirements?

With the increasing variety of toys, some toys containing specific chemical substances or mixtures, such as olfactory board games, children's cosmetic kits, and gustative games, have become popular due to their unique educational and entertaining functions. However, because these products directly involve children's sensory contact with chemicals, the risks are more specific. The European standard BS EN 71-13:2021+A1:2022 "Safety of toys - Part 13: Olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games" was introduced to establish specialized technical safety specifications for these types of products.

Scope of Application and Core Objectives of the Standard

The EN 71-13 standard is specifically applicable to the following three categories of toys and their supplementary sets:

• Olfactory board games: Games intended to help children identify smells through the sense of smell.

• Cosmetic kits: Sets used by children to simulate makeup (note that this does not include makeup toys for dolls).

• Gustative games: Games intended to help children identify tastes through the sense of taste.

The core objective of this standard is to regulate the types, content, and concentrations of substances and mixtures used in these toys to prevent acute or chronic hazards to children's health caused by inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

Key Standard Information

Three Categories of Controlled Substances

The standard divides the control of substances and mixtures in toys into three levels:

• Category One: Hazardous substances/mixtures: Substances and mixtures classified as hazardous according to the EU CLP Regulation ((EC) No 1272/2008). The standard strictly restricts or prohibits their use in toys.

• Category Two: Substances/mixtures not classified as CLP hazardous but harmful in excess: Substances that, even if not classified as hazardous, may still harm children's health if used in excess. The standard sets specific content or concentration limits for these.

• Category Three: Other chemical substances and mixtures: Any other chemicals provided with the toy must also comply with the relevant requirements of the standard.

Detailed Explanation of Special Requirements

In addition to general chemical safety requirements, EN 71-13 also outlines several specific regulations:

• Prohibition of allergenic fragrances: Explicitly lists specific allergenic fragrance substances that are prohibited from use in toys.

• Mandatory marking and warnings:

• Must indicate the presence of allergenic fragrances (if the use of certain restricted ones is permitted).

• Provide a detailed "Ingredient List," listing the potential allergens or chemical substances contained.

• Detailed instructions for use: Includes instructions on how to use safely, how to clean, and first aid measures in case of accidental contact (such as entering the eyes or accidental ingestion).

• Requirements for ancillary equipment: Outlines safety requirements for the application tools included with the toy (such as small mirrors and brushes).

• Prohibition of highly flammable liquids: Explicitly prohibits the use of highly flammable liquids in such toys.

Compliance Challenges and Professional Support

For enterprises producing olfactory, cosmetic, and gustative toys, the main compliance challenges lie in:

• Complex ingredients: Requires a precise understanding of the chemical information for all ingredients and their classifications under the CLP Regulation.

• Accuracy of labels and instructions: Safety information must be accurate, complete, and fully compliant with standard formats.

• Professionalism of testing: Requires targeted chemical analysis for specific substances and the assessment of migration or exposure risks.

JJR LAB's team of regulatory experts is highly proficient in the EU Toy Safety Directive (TSD) and related chemical regulations (such as REACH and CLP). We can provide you with:

• Full set of chemical tests: Comprehensive testing conducted in accordance with EN 71-13 and other relevant parts (such as en 71-9, -10, -11).

• Label and document review: Ensuring your product labeling, instruction manuals, and declarations of conformity fully comply with all regulatory requirements.