Which Products Require EN71 Toy Certification?

In the cross-border e-commerce industry, the demand for toy products continues to grow. However, to successfully enter the European market, meeting its stringent safety standards is essential. The en71 certification, as the core of European toy safety standards, plays a critical role in ensuring child safety.

EN71 testing is a comprehensive safety assessment system for toys, established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It aims to ensure the safety and reliability of toys intended for children under 14 years of age. The testing covers various aspects including mechanical and physical properties, chemical composition, electrical safety, and flammability. From the design to the material composition of toys, every element must undergo strict evaluation. The EN71 series, ranging from EN71-1 to EN71-14, outlines specific safety requirements that toys must meet to ensure children can play safely. This standard is not only a mandatory requirement for entering the EU market but is also widely recognized and referenced globally—including in parts of the U.S. and Asia.

Primary Objectives of EN71 Testing:

1. Prevent Physical Injuries

Ensure toys do not have sharp edges, small detachable parts, or structures that could cause entanglement, thereby reducing the risk of cuts, choking, or strangulation.

2. Limit Harmful Substances

Test for the presence of hazardous chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and phthalates to ensure they do not migrate into a child’s body, thus protecting their health.

3. Reduce Fire Hazards

Evaluate the flammability of toy materials to ensure they do not ignite easily or release toxic fumes, minimizing fire-related risks to children.

4. Ensure Electrical Safety

For toys containing electronic components, test for potential hazards such as overheating or electric shock to ensure safe use by children.

Toys that pass EN71 testing must obtain a compliance report and bear the CE markto demonstrate conformity with the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).

Products Covered by EN71 Certification

EN71 certification applies primarily to toys designed or intended for children under 14 years of age, as well as other products that may be used by children. Below is a breakdown of applicable product categories:

Traditional Toys

1. Plastic Toys: Building blocks, puzzles, models, etc.

2. Wooden Toys: Wooden blocks, wooden puzzles, etc.

3. Plush Toys: Stuffed animals, fabric dolls, etc.

4. Paper Toys: Origami sets, cardboard puzzles, etc.

Functional Toys

1. Sound Toys: Music boxes, electronic keyboards, etc.

2. Electric Toys: Remote-controlled cars, robots, etc.

3. Interactive Toys: Smart learning devices, etc.

Creative & Artistic Toys

1. Art Supplies: Finger paints, colored sand kits, etc.

2. Craft Toys: Modeling clay, putty, etc.

Decorative & Party Products

1. Party Balloons: Latex and foil balloons, etc.

2. Decorative Toys: Streamers, paper hats, etc.

Infant-Specific Toys

1. Baby Rattles

2. Teething Toys

3. Comfort Toys

Other Related Products

Non-toy Products Accessible to Children: Items like children's sleeping bags or portable baby beds, which, if marketed for children's use, may also require partial EN71 testing.

EN71 certification covers nearly all products that could be accessed by children under 14, ensuring their safety and compliance for both EU entry and broader international markets.