EN71 certification

The Toy EN71 Certification is a mandatory standard established by the European Union for toy safety. It aims to ensure that toys entering the European market meet safety requirements in terms of health, environmental protection, and physical performance. The certification covers multiple aspects such as the chemical properties of materials, mechanical properties, and electrical characteristics, serving as an essential passport for exporting toys to the EU.

I. Core Test Items of EN71 Certification

The EN71 standard consists of several parts, among which EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3 are the three most fundamental test modules:

1. Physical and Mechanical Properties Test (EN71-1)

Targeting the structural safety of toys, including:

 Small parts test (to prevent choking hazards from swallowing)

 Sharp edge detection (pull test must reach above 70N)

 Durability assessment (e.g., drop test, torque test, etc.)

Typical case: In 2024, a Chinese manufacturer was notified by the EU due to the risk of toy wheels detaching, resulting in losses exceeding one million euros.

2. Flammability Performance Test (EN71-2) 

Evaluates the flame retardancy of toy materials, with key focus on: 

The burning rate of hair-like toys must not exceed 30 mm/s 

Textile toys must pass a vertical flammability test 

Technical note: Tests must be conducted under standard conditions of 23±2°C temperature and 50±5% humidity.

3. Chemical Migration Test (EN71-3) 

Detects the migration of 19 heavy metals, including: 

Lead (Pb) limit: 13.5 mg/kg 

Cadmium (Cd) limit: 1.3 mg/kg 

Total phthalates must not exceed 0.1% 

New regulations in 2025 will add restrictions on Bisphenol A (BPA). Companies should pay close attention in advance.

Common standards:

EN71-1: Toy Safety – Part 1: Physical and mechanical properties 

EN71-2: Toy Safety – Part 2: Flammability 

EN71-3: Toy Safety – Part 3: Migration of certain elements 

EN71-4: Toy Safety – Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities 

EN71-5: Toy Safety – Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets 

EN71-6: Toy Safety – Part 6: Graphical symbols for age warning labelling 

EN71-7: Finger paints – Requirements 

EN71-8: Swings, slides and similar toys for indoor and outdoor family entertainment 

EN71-9: Organic chemical compounds – General requirements 

EN71-10: Organic chemical compounds – Sample preparation and extraction 

EN71-11: Organic chemical compounds – Methods of analysis