EN 71 – Safety of Toys is the European passport for the toy industry. To legally place a toy on the EU market, it must comply with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. EN 71 is the harmonized standard series used to demonstrate this compliance, ensuring children are protected from mechanical, flammability, and chemical hazards.
What Is EN 71?
EN 71 defines the safety requirements for any product designed or intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age. Unlike general consumer goods standards, EN 71 assumes that children will not always use a product as intended (e.g., biting, dropping, or pulling it), and sets rigorous durability and toxicity limits accordingly.
The “Universal” Standards (Parts 1-3)
While the EN 71 series has over 14 parts, almost every toy sold in Europe must undergo testing for the first three:
EN 71-1
Mechanical & Physical
Checks for sharp edges, points, and choking hazards (small parts). It includes rigorous tension and drop tests.
EN 71-2
Flammability
Ensures toys (especially plushies, costumes, and play tents) do not burn rapidly, giving a child time to move away from fire.
EN 71-3
Chemical Migration
Limits the migration of 19 toxic elements (like Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic) from toy materials if swallowed or licked.
Specialized Parts of the Standard
Depending on the type of toy, additional parts of the standard may apply:
| Standard | Toy Category |
|---|---|
| EN 71-4 | Experimental sets for chemistry. |
| EN 71-5 | Chemical toys other than experimental sets. |
| EN 71-8 | Activity toys for domestic use (swings, slides). |
| EN 71-9 | Organic chemical compounds (solvents, preservatives). |
| EN 71-14 | Trampolines for domestic use. |
How to Achieve CE Marking for Toys
- Classify the Toy: Determine the age group. The rules for under 36 months (0-3 years) are significantly stricter regarding small parts.
- Purchase Standards: Obtain official copies of EN 71-1, -2, and -3 (plus others if applicable).
- Safety Assessment: Identify potential hazards (chemical, physical, electrical) before production.
- Laboratory Testing: Send samples to an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to test against EN 71 requirements.
- Technical File: Compile the Bill of Materials (BOM), test reports, and safety assessment into a Technical File.
- CE Marking & DoC: Affix the CE mark and sign the EU Declaration of Conformity.
📥 Access the Official EN 71 Standards
Toy safety regulations change frequently. Ensure you are using the latest version of EN 71 to prevent customs seizures and recalls.
⚠️ Official PDF Standards starting from €150.00
Available in PDF and Hardcopy formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN 71 mandatory for all toys?
Yes. The EU Toy Safety Directive requires all toys sold in the EU to meet essential safety requirements. Compliance with harmonized standards like EN 71 is the primary way to prove this presumption of conformity.
What is the “Small Parts Cylinder”?
It is a testing tool used in EN 71-1. If a toy (or a part that detaches from it during testing) fits entirely inside the cylinder, it is a choking hazard and is illegal for children under 36 months.
Does EN 71-3 cover all chemicals?
No. EN 71-3 specifically covers the migration of 19 heavy metals (e.g., Lead, Cadmium, Chromium). However, toys must also comply with REACH Regulation (Annex XVII) for substances like Phthalates, Benzene, and Azo dyes.
Do I need to purchase the standard?
Yes. To create a valid Technical File and sign your Declaration of Conformity, you must have access to the legal text of the standard to ensure your testing methods match the current law.