This document specifies microbiological cleanliness and preservative efficacy requirements for accessible aqueous media in toys.
The requirements in this document apply to all toys that are, contain or are supplied with accessible aqueous materials (e.g. paste, putty, finger paint, liquid or gel).
The cleanliness and preservation effectiveness requirements are applicable to a toy as it is initially received by the consumer, in an unopened and undamaged container. This document does not apply to a toy that has been used, has had its packaging opened or is otherwise compromised in a way that would introduce microbiological contamination.
This document does not apply to toys and samples which are post-consumer use, since the microbiological limits are inappropriate given, there is no way to establish what conditions the toys have been subject to before testing.
This document does not apply to:
- materials that are inaccessible during normal use or after reasonably foreseeable abuse;
- food;
- cosmetics;
- components of toys covered by EN 71-13 where;
- the component is in scope of the Cosmetic Products Regulation (i.e. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 [13];
- the component comprises only recognized food flavours and food ingredients (see relevant legislation, for example Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 [16] ("general food law"), Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 [15] (flavours), Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 [14], Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 [18] (food additives) and Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (food information to consumers)[17]);
- experimental sets covered by EN 71-4.
NOTE Play cosmetics, that are only for use on the toy (e.g. makeup products only for a doll), are not excluded.
Legislation related to this standard
DIRECTIVE 2009/48/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 June 2009 on the Safety of Toys
PUBLISHED
EN 71-20:2025
60.60
Standard published
Dec 17, 2025