Plastic ball toys EU EN71 testing and certification process
Date：2025-08-06 10:11:13 Classification
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The EN71 testing and certification process and key points required for plastic ball toys exported to the EU are compiled from the EU Toy Safety Directive and related testing standards:
I. Core Testing Standards
Plastic ball toys must pass the following three basic tests:
1. EN71-1 Physical and Mechanical Properties Test
- Small Parts Test (to prevent choking hazards, especially for children under 36 months)
- Tensile/Torque Test (to verify the structural strength of the plastic ball)
- Sharp Edge/Point Test
- Special Requirements for Plastic Balls: Balls with a diameter of ≤4.5cm must undergo an additional "small ball test" to prevent swallowing by children.
2. EN71-2 Flame Retardancy Test
- Evaluates the burning speed of the plastic material (limit ≤30mm/s)
3. EN71-3 Chemical Extractables Test
- Detects the migration of 8 heavy metals (19 elements including lead, cadmium, and mercury);
- Plastic Additives Specific: Phthalates (6P) must comply with REACH regulatory limits (≤0.1%).
II. Certification Process
1. Preparation
- Provide product technical documentation (BOM, design drawings, instructions);
- Sort samples by material color (multi-colored plastic balls must be tested separately).
2. Sample Delivery and Testing
- Send 3-5 complete samples to an EU-approved laboratory (such as Dezewei Testing);
- Testing cycle: 5-7 working days (standard projects).
3. Report and Certificate
- The laboratory issues an English test report;
- The certification body issues a CE certificate (with an EN71 Declaration of Conformity).
4. Labeling and Marketing
- Products must be affixed with the CE mark (height ≥ 5mm);
- The packaging must include an age warning (e.g., "Small balls, for children under 3 years of age").
III. Special Considerations for Plastic Balls
1. Material Complexity
- Fluorescent/luminous plastics require additional testing for chemiluminescent agents;
- Foam materials (e.g., EVA) require an expansion rate assessment (limit ≤ 50%).
2. Additional Requirements for Power Functionality
- If batteries or light-emitting devices are included, EN62115 (Safety of Electronic Toys) must be supplemented.
3. Cost Reference
- The basic three-item testing fee is approximately ¥1,000 (for single-color plastic balls);
- The fee increases by 30% for each additional color/material.
IV. Common Failure Risks
1. Small parts easily fall off (e.g., gaps > 1mm between plastic balls);
2. Excessive heavy metal content (common in recycled plastics);
3. Insufficient flame retardant addition (especially in PVC).
> Recommendation: Conduct pre-test before production to reduce rectification costs.
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