Ensure Toy Safety: Be ready for the new version of EN 71 series standards for safety of toys

Are you involved in the toy industry? Do you design, manufacture, import, or distribute toys in the European Union? Staying compliant with the latest European toy safety standards is paramount for protecting children and ensuring market access. Stay tuned with these standards providing crucial updates to support the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.

The Directive 2009/48/EC is the cornerstone of toy safety legislation in Europe. To support this directive, a new series of European Norms (EN standards) is being rolled out, offering detailed requirements and test methods. We are your go-to source for understanding these vital changes, designed to enhance the safety of toys for children across Europe.

One of the most anticipated updates is FprEN 71-1: Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties. With the final draft dispatch slated for April 3, 2025, this standard is critical. It specifies comprehensive requirements and test methods for the mechanical and physical properties of toys, covering everything from choking hazards to entrapment points. This standard applies to all new toys for children under 14, with specific, stricter requirements for toys intended for children under 36 months, 18 months, or those too young to sit up unaided. It ensures toys are safe under foreseeable use, considering children's behavior.

Beyond physical safety, prEN 71-5: Safety of toys - Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets addresses crucial chemical safety aspects. This document outlines requirements and test methods for substances and mixtures used in chemical toy sets, including those classified as dangerous and others that could pose a health risk if used excessively. It also specifies vital marking, warning, safety rules, and first aid information. This is essential for products like plaster moulding sets, modelling clays, and slime kits, ensuring the chemical components of toys meet stringent safety criteria.

For more active playtime, FprEN 71-8: Safety of toys - Part 8: Activity toys for domestic use sets the benchmark. This standard details requirements and test methods for activity toys, such as swings and climbing frames, intended for home use. It covers components, accessories, and even construction packages, ensuring the structural integrity and safe design of these toys that often bear a child’s weight.

Finally, prEN 71-20: Safety of toys - Part 20: Microbiological safety of toys containing accessible aqueous media tackles a critical, often overlooked, area: microbiological safety. This standard sets cleanliness and preservative efficacy requirements for toys containing accessible aqueous materials like pastes, putties, liquids, or gels, ensuring they are free from harmful microorganisms when initially received by the consumer.

Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your products meet the highest toy safety standards. Visit our website for detailed information, updates, and resources on standards supporting the EU toy safety directive and providing presumption of conformity on toy safety requirements in the EU.