EN71 TESTING PROCESS

What is the Toy Safety Directive?

The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC is the European legislation regarding the safety of toys; toys are defined as any product/material designed or intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age – exclusively or otherwise.

Within the UK it is known as the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 but is essentially the same thing.

The directive dictates that toys must:

  • pass safety requirements (EN71)
  • display the CE marking;
  • display the maker/sellers name and address details;
  • be accompanied by warnings if required.

The documentation for this must be kept and maintained for a period of 10 years beyond the products last production date and be readily available for inspection by enforcement authorities.

What are the Toy Safety Testing Standards?

The EN 71 toy safety testing standards deal with mechanical and physical properties, flammability requirements, migration of certain elements (i.e. permitted levels of heavy metals) and required age warning labelling where appropriate.

Who is affected by the Toy Standards Directive?

It apply to manufacturers, importers, retailers and other suppliers of new and second-hand toys – who supply toys in the course of their business for payment or free.

How do I comply with the Toy Standards Directive?

In order comply with the directive the toys must meet the essential safety requirements. The toys must be manufactured in accordance with harmonised standards (EN71) and the seller should:

  • Create a declaration of conformity and affix the CE logo to the product
  • Maintain a technical file containing information about the toys (for a period of 10 years after the toy has been placed on the market)
  • Ensure the product is manufactured in accordance to the original method that was tested (same materials, methods).
  • Ensure the toys bear a batch/serial number or if not possible then include the information on the packaging or an accompanying document.
  • Indicate on the toy their name, registered trade name and the address at which they can be contacted or if not possible then include the information on the packaging or an accompanying document.
  • Supply appropriate instructions and safety information in a language appropriate to the market place.

Why do I need to comply with the Toy Standards Directive?

Failure to comply with the directive can have serious implications on the end user as well as your business and could result in fines or imprisonment.

EN71-PegDolls

The first instalment in our line-up of specialised EN71 documents – this one deals exclusively with wooden peg doll.

Much of the content is generic by nature so will be fit for purpose for other small wooden toys – this one deals variations in size, hemispherical tops and issues surrounding adult toys.