What Certifications for Plush Toys to Europe and the USA?

United States

CPC Certification

Short for Children's Product Certificate, it applies to plush toys and other products intended for children under 14 years old. It is a mandatory certification that must be provided for entering or selling products in the U.S. market.

Mechanical Performance testing

1. Small Parts Test: Checks whether the toy contains small parts that coULd be accidentally swallowed by children.

2. Sharp Edges and Points Test: Detects whether the edges and points of the toy are excessively sharp.

3. Tensile Test: Verifies the firmness of the toy's components and structure.

4. Compression Test: Evaluates whether the toy generates excessive pressure when squeezed.

Flammability Performance Testing

Also known as flame retardancy test, it assesses the flame-retardant properties of toy materials to ensure that toys will not spread rapidly in emergencies such as fires.

CheMICal Substance Content Testing

Detects the content of chemical substances in toys, such as plasticizers, heavy metals, and phthalates, as these substances may pose risks to children's health.

Certification Process

1. Select a third-party testing institution and fill in the application form.

2. Provide product samples.

3. The laboratory conducts tests on the samples.

4. Issue a test report and CPC Certificate upon passing the tests.

FCC Certification

If the plush toy is equipped with electronic components (e.g., electronic sound devices), FCC Certification may be requiRED. This certification ensures that the electronic product complies with the relevant technical standards and requirements of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and will not cause harmful interference to radio spectrum resources.

European Union

CE certification

It is a mandatory certification for products entering the EU market, regarded as a passport for manufacturers to access the European market. Products bearing the CE Mark can be sold in all EU member states without complying with the separate requirements of each member state, thus realizing the free circulation of goods within the EU.

en71 standard Testing

CE certification for plush toys is generally carried out in accordance with the EN71 Standard, which is the regulatory standard for toy products in the EU market. It mainly involves the following aspects of testing:

1. EN71-1: Physical Properties

Covers requirements for toy materials, assembly, flexible plastic films, toy bags, glass, expanding materials, edges, wires, protruding components, etc. It ensures that toys will not cause physical harm to children under normal use and foreseeable abuse.

2. en71-2: Flammability Performance

Refers to ISO 6941 (Textiles - Burning Behaviour) to test the flammability of toys. Toys such as those with whiskers, tentacles, wigs, masks, and other head-worn items with long hair or similar attachments, as well as soft stuffed toys with long hair or textile surfaces, must meet the corresponding flame-retardant requirements to reduce fire risks.

3. EN71-3: Prohibited Substances

Specifies the limit requirements for 19 prohibited substances in toys, including aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium (III), chromium (VI), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organotin, and zinc. It ensures that children will not ingest excessive harmful elements when contacting the toys.