EN71 Standard: Guardian of Toy Safety

EN71 Standard: Guardian of Toy Safety
In today’s globalization, toy safety has become the focus of global families. As one of the most widely used toy safety standards in the world, the European EN71 standard provides strict testing and production process control to ensure the safety of toys. For companies engaged in toy foreign trade, understanding and complying with the EN71 standard is not only a necessary condition for entering the European market, but also a commitment to the safety and health of children around the world.

1. Overview of EN71 Standard
The EN71 standard is a series of test standards for toy safety in Europe, and its purpose is to ensure that all toy products entering the European market meet specific safety requirements. These standards cover a wide range of areas from physical and mechanical properties to chemical composition, ensuring that toys are safe and reliable in every link of the design, production, and final use process.

2. Specific requirements of the EN71 standard
(I) Physical and mechanical properties test (EN71-1)
The physical and mechanical properties of toys are the first line of defense to ensure children’s safety. The EN71-1 standard includes drop tests, small parts tests, sharp edge tests, etc. These tests ensure that toys will not cause harm to children under normal use and foreseeable abuse. For example, tensile and pressure tests evaluate the structural strength of toys, while seam and torque tests focus on whether the stitching of toys is firm.
(II) Flame retardant performance test (EN71-2)
Fire is one of the common safety hazards in the home. The EN71-2 standard specifies the flame retardant requirements for toys, prohibits the use of flammable materials, and ensures that the combustion performance of toys meets safety standards when encountering a fire source. This is particularly applicable to toys worn on the head, fancy dress costumes, and toys for children to wear.
(III) Chemical composition test (EN71-3)
The EN71-3 standard focuses on the migratable heavy metal elements in toy materials, such as antimony, arsenic, and barium, which are potentially harmful to children’s health. By simulating the gastric acid environment, the dissolution amount of these elements in the toy material is tested to ensure that it is within the safety limit.
(IV) Chemical test devices and chemical toys (EN71-4 & EN71-5)
The EN71-4 and EN71-5 standards are aimed at the use restrictions of chemical substances in chemical test devices and chemical toys. These standards ensure that the chemicals children are exposed to are safe when conducting scientific experiments or using chemical toys.
(V) Age warning label (EN71-6)
The EN71-6 standard states that toys that are not suitable for children under 3 years old but may be dangerous to them should be affixed with age warning labels. This measure helps parents make wise choices and protect young children from harm from inappropriate toys.
(VI) Requirements for finger paints and organic compounds (EN71-7 & EN71-9)
The EN71-7 and EN71-9 standards further refine the restrictions on the use of organic compounds in finger paints and toys, including colorants, preservatives, heavy metal migration limits, and restrictions on the use of major aromatic amines to ensure the safety of children during painting and playing.
(VII) General requirements for organic compounds in toys (EN71-9)
EN71-9 general requirements for organic compounds – specifies the total amount of toxic compounds that are present in each toy or toy material in the following exposure modes: contact with the mouth; possible ingestion; skin contact; eye contact; inhalation. Products within the scope of the standard include toys designed for children under 3 years old (because these toys may be put into the mouth and chewed by children), and products designed for older children (these products may come into contact with children’s mouths, skin or be inhaled by children).
(VIII) Sound requirements for toys (EN71-7)
EN71-7 partially specifies the acoustic performance requirements for sound-emitting toys. The standard ensures that the sound level will not cause damage to children’s hearing. For example, the A-weighted sound pressure level LpA, measured in a free field, does not exceed 80dB for close-to-ear toys.
(IX) Packaging requirements for toys (EN71-1)
EN71-1 standard also sets requirements for the packaging of toys. For example, if the opening circumference of a flexible plastic bag used for inner and outer packaging is greater than 380mm, the average thickness cannot be less than 0.038mm when tested according to the plastic film thickness test method.
(X) Age warning label requirements for toys (EN71-6)
The EN71-6 standard requires that toys that are not suitable for children under 3 years old but may be dangerous to them should be affixed with age warning labels. This measure helps parents make wise choices and protects young children from inappropriate toys.

3. The importance of the EN71 standard
The EN71 standard sets a benchmark for global toy safety. It not only protects the health and safety of children, but also provides clear guidance for toy manufacturers and foreign trade practitioners. By following these standards, we can ensure that every child can enjoy safety and happiness when playing. As foreign trade practitioners, it is our responsibility to understand and comply with the EN71 standard and our commitment to families around the world.
IV. Testing and certification process for the EN71 standard
(I) Determine the test scope and category of the product
EN71 certification includes multiple parts, each of which includes different test items. Therefore, first determine which parts and test categories your product needs to be tested.
(II) Find a certification laboratory
Based on your product type and test scope, choose a testing laboratory that meets the EN71 certification standard.
(III) Prepare test samples
Prepare test samples according to the sample requirements provided by the certification laboratory.
(IV) Conduct tests
Submit the test samples to the certification laboratory for testing. The test contents include mechanical property tests, chemical substance content tests, ignition tests, etc.
(V) Issue test reports
The certification laboratory compiles the test results into a test report and issues it to the product manufacturer.
(VI) Make improvements based on the test results
According to the test results and conclusions in the test report, make product improvements and adjustments.
(VII) Obtain certification
After improvements and adjustments, submit the samples for testing again. If the test results meet the requirements of the EN71 standard, certification can be obtained.

4. Latest developments of EN71 standard
(I) EN71-15:2025
On February 26, 2025, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) released the EN71-15:2025 standard. This standard specifies the test method for the formamide content in foam toy materials. The release of this standard aims to further strengthen the supervision of harmful substances in toy materials and ensure the safety of toys.
(II) EN71-16:2025
Also released at the same time is the EN71-16:2025 standard, which specifies the test method for certain chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP, TDCP) in toy materials. These flame retardants may pose potential risks to children’s health in some cases. Therefore, ensuring that their content is within a safe range through scientific testing methods is an important measure to ensure children’s safety.
(III) EN71-17:2025
The EN71-17:2025 standard regulates certain isothiazolinone preservatives (MIT, CIT, BIT) in water-based toy materials. These preservatives are widely used in water-based toy materials, but excessive use may cause irritation to children’s skin and respiratory tract. Therefore, it is necessary to protect children’s health by ensuring that the content of these preservatives meets safety standards through strict testing methods.

5. The impact of the EN71 standard on toy foreign trade companies
(I) Ensure that products meet EU market requirements
For companies engaged in toy foreign trade, the EN71 standard is a “passport” to enter the European market. Only toys that meet the EN71 standard can be sold in the European market. Therefore, understanding and complying with the EN71 standard is a basic requirement for companies to expand into the European market.
(II) Improve product competitiveness
Complying with the EN71 standard can not only ensure the safety of products, but also improve the competitiveness of products. Today, when consumers are paying more and more attention to product safety, toys that meet the EN71 standard are more likely to gain the trust and favor of consumers. This helps companies establish a good brand image and increase the market share of their products.
(III) Reduce trade risks
Understanding and complying with the EN71 standard can help companies reduce trade risks. If a company’s products do not meet the EN71 standard, they may face the risk of returns, fines, or even sales bans. Therefore, understanding and complying with the EN71 standard in advance can effectively avoid these risks and ensure the smooth progress of the company’s trade.

6. Impact of EN71 Standard on Toy Foreign Trade Enterprises
(I) Ensure that products meet EU market requirements
For enterprises engaged in toy foreign trade, EN71 standard is a “passport” to enter the European market. Only toys that meet EN71 standard can be sold in the European market. Therefore, understanding and complying with EN71 standard is a basic requirement for enterprises to expand into the European market.
(II) Improve product competitiveness
Compliance with EN71 standard can not only ensure product safety, but also improve product competitiveness. Today, when consumers are paying more and more attention to product safety, toys that meet EN71 standard are more likely to gain consumers’ trust and favor. This helps enterprises establish a good brand image and increase the market share of products.
(III) Reduce trade risks
Understanding and complying with EN71 standard can help enterprises reduce trade risks. If the products of an enterprise do not meet EN71 standard, it may face the risk of return, fine or even prohibition of sales. Therefore, understanding and complying with EN71 standard in advance can effectively avoid these risks and ensure the smooth progress of the enterprise’s trade.

7. Future development trend of the EN71 standard
With the continuous advancement of technology and people’s increasing attention to children’s health and safety, the EN71 standard is also constantly developing and improving. In the future, the EN71 standard may be more stringent, covering more test items and a wider range of toy types. At the same time, with the increase in environmental awareness, the EN71 standard may also strengthen the environmental protection requirements for toy materials. Therefore, toy manufacturers and foreign trade practitioners need to pay close attention to the dynamics of the EN71 standard and adjust production and sales strategies in a timely manner to adapt to market changes.

8. Case analysis of the implementation of the EN71 standard
(I) Case 1: EN71 certification process of a toy manufacturer
When a toy manufacturer was developing a new toy product, it realized that it needed to comply with the EN71 standard to enter the European market. They first conducted a detailed analysis of the product to determine the items and scope that needed to be tested. Then, they selected a testing laboratory that met the EN71 certification standard and prepared test samples according to the laboratory’s requirements. During the test, they found that the chemical composition of some materials in the product did not meet the requirements of the EN71 standard. So, they improved the product, replaced the non-compliant materials, and retested. After many improvements and tests, their products finally passed the EN71 certification and successfully entered the European market. This case shows that although the EN71 standard is strict, as long as the company takes it seriously and actively improves, it can meet the standard requirements and expand the market.
(II) Case 2: Application of the EN71 standard by a toy foreign trade company
When a toy foreign trade company cooperated with European customers, the customer clearly required that the product must comply with the EN71 standard. Therefore, the company conducted a strict EN71 standard review of all suppliers’ products. They asked suppliers to provide EN71 certification reports and sampled and tested the products. During the cooperation process, they found that some suppliers’ products did not meet the EN71 standard. So, they communicated with the suppliers and asked them to improve their products. Through close cooperation with suppliers, they ensured that all products exported to Europe met the EN71 standard. This not only won the trust of customers, but also improved the company’s market reputation. This case shows that the EN71 standard is not only a product safety standard, but also an important basis for cooperation between enterprises and customers.

9. FAQs about the EN71 standard
(i) What toys does the EN71 standard apply to?

The EN71 standard applies to all toy products entering the European market, including but not limited to plastic toys, wooden toys, plush toys, electronic toys, chemical toys, etc.

(ii) What are the test items of the EN71 standard?

The test items of the EN71 standard include physical and mechanical property tests, flame retardant property tests, chemical composition tests, chemical test devices and chemical toys. Chemical substance use restrictions, age warning labels, finger painting pigments and organic compound requirements, toy sound requirements, toy packaging requirements, etc.

(iii) How to conduct EN71 standard tests?

To conduct EN71 standard tests, you need to select a testing laboratory that meets the EN71 certification standard. The laboratory will conduct corresponding tests based on the type of product and the test scope, and compile the test results into a test report.
(IV) What if the product does not meet the EN71 standard?
If the product does not meet the EN71 standard, the company needs to improve and adjust the product according to the test results and conclusions in the test report. After the improvement, it needs to be retested until the product meets the requirements of the EN71 standard.
(V) How long is the certification validity period of the EN71 standard?
There is no clear validity period for the certification of the EN71 standard, but the company needs to retest the product regularly to ensure that the product always meets the requirements of the EN71 standard. In particular, when the design, material or production process of the product changes, retesting is required.

10. Summary of the EN71 standard
The EN71 standard is an important guarantee for global toy safety. It covers a wide range of areas from physical and mechanical properties to chemical composition, ensuring that toys are safe and reliable in every link of the design, production, and final use. For companies engaged in toy foreign trade, understanding and complying with the EN71 standard is not only a necessary condition for entering the European market, but also a commitment to the safety and health of children around the world. By following the EN71 standard, we can ensure that every child can enjoy safety and happiness when playing, while also improving the competitiveness of our products, reducing trade risks and expanding the international market.