European Children’s Product Compliance:

The European regulations defines a toy as any product or material appointed for the use of children younger than 14 years of age.  The compliance regulations require that the toys are designed and produced to adhere a series of rules that serve of guide for the manufacturer:

• comply with safety regulations
• carry a mark CE
• The name and address of the supplier should appear on the packaging
• should include warnings

Safety Tests for Children’s Products Shipped into European Union

1/ EN 71 Part 1
Mechanical and physical testing, for example sharp points, sharp edges, small parts.  This type of test will apply to puzzle books.

2/ EN 71 Part 2
Flammability

3/ EN 71 Part 3
Test for soluble heavy metal and lead content. This test may apply to metal spirals, metal wire-o, and crayons.

4/ EN 71 Part 9
Chemical testing.  This only applies for products intended for children 3 years of age and younger.

5/ Cadmium
Test for cadmium content.  This test may apply to metal spirals and metal wire-o’s.

6/ Phthalate
Test for phthalate content.  This test may apply to lamination, plastic spiral and wire-o’s, plastic jackets or sleeves, plastic covers, blister packs and clamshells, plastic trays in kits, shrink wrapping material, and PVC lids.

7/ Heavy Metal Packaging
Test for heavy metal on packaging. Testing may apply to packaging box and shrink wrapping material.  

Labeling Requirements
Toys must have the CE mark clearly visible on all packaging and should include the name and address of the supplier.  The children’s products much have clear warning labels as advised by an accredited laboratory.   These rules apply to all children’s products that are distributed within the European Union.