The European Union (EU) defines toys as any product or material designed or intended, exclusively or not, for the use in play by children under 14 years. Ensuring that toys marketed in the EU do not put children at risk is a priority. It is also an essential requirement for all manufacturers and exporters aiming to enter the EU markets.
EN 71 Toy Safety Directive
EN71 is a set of European product safety standards that applies to all toys sold in the European Union. The Directive specifies safety requirements for toys and covers other children’s products sold in the EU. It ensures that toys meet specific minimum safety standards, including:
- Mechanical and physical properties
- Noise level
- Flammability
- Chemical composition
- Electrical Safety
- Sanitation
- Radiation
CE Marking
When manufacturers, importers, or distributors want to enter the EU market, they have to show that a toy is safe. For this, toys must bear the CE marketing. This marking indicates the toy’s compliance with the safety requirements set out in the EN71 Directive.
EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC
Another relevant toy safety directive in the EU is 2009/48/EC. It establishes the minimum safety standards relating to toy features, flammability, substances, documentation, and so on.
The Directive also stipulates the basic labeling requirements for toys. For example, the toy must bear a tracking label, which should include the supplier’s name, registered trademark, and contact address. It also sets standards for toy packaging and any other materials sold with the toy.
REACH Regulation
REACH applies to all consumer products, including toys sold in the European Union. REACH sets limits and addresses the use of hazardous substances in all consumer products, such as chemicals, heavy metals, and pollutants.
It is illegal to import and sell toys and other products in the EU that do not comply with REACH.
About HQTS
HQTS offers comprehensive toy safety assessment, testing, and compliance solutions to help ensure your products meet the obligations and requirements of all toy safety standards before they enter EU markets.
