Mechanical toys EU EN71 certification testing process
Date：2025-08-15 09:59:26 Classification
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A detailed description of the EN71 certification testing process for mechanical toys exported to the EU, compiled based on EU regulatory requirements and testing practices:
I. Pre-certification Preparation
1. Confirming Applicable Standards
- Core Standards:
- EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 (Physical and Mechanical Properties)
- EN 71-2:2020 (Flammability)
- EN 71-3:2019 (Migration Limits for 19 Heavy Metals)
- Special Requirements:
- Electric mechanical toys must additionally comply with EN IEC 62115 (Electrical Safety).
2. Preparing Samples and Documents
- Sample Quantity: 3-5 complete finished products (including packaging and instructions).
- Technical Documents:
- Product Design Drawings, List of Materials (Metal/Plastic/Coating Composition);
- Circuit Diagram (for electric toys);
- Age Warning Label (for small parts or complex functions).
II. Key Steps in the Testing Process
Phase 1: Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing (EN 71-1)
- Main Items:
- Drop Test: Five drops from a height of 85 cm to check structural integrity;
- Tensile Test: Pulling small components with a force of 90N (to prevent swallowing risk);
- Sharp Edge Testing: Assessing whether metal/plastic edges can cut skin;
- Dynamic Component Testing: Verifying the pinching risk of gears, hinges, etc.
Phase 2: Flame Retardancy Testing (EN 71-2)
- Applicable Scenarios:
- Burning rate testing for products containing textile materials (e.g., plush animatronics);
- Flame retardancy assessment of battery compartments in electric toys.
Phase 3: Chemical Safety Testing (EN 71-3)
- Test Methods:
- Immersion in simulated gastric fluid to determine the release of 19 heavy metals, including lead and cadmium;
- Focus on hazardous substances in coatings and plastic components.
Phase 4: Electrical Safety Supplement (if applicable)
- For electric mechanical toys, the following additional tests are required:
- Battery overheating and short-circuit protection tests (EN IEC 62115);
- Circuit insulation and leakage current checks.
III. Certification and Compliance Steps
1. Laboratory Submission:
- Select a CNAS-accredited laboratory with EN71 certification (such as Shenzhen Dezewei Testing).
2. Obtaining the Test Report:
- Turnaround time: Routine testing takes approximately 5-7 working days, with longer times for complex products.
3. Signing the Document of Conformity:
- Issue an EC Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming that the product complies with the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).
4. Affixing the CE Mark:
- The mark must be clearly printed on the product/packaging, with a size of 5mm or larger.
IV. Enterprise Notes
1. High-Risk Avoidance:
- Avoid using soft plastics with excessive phthalate levels;
- Dynamic components (e.g., gear sets) require physical isolation protection.
2. Market Access Requirements:
- Cross-border e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon) must upload a complete EN71 test report;
- Retain technical documentation for at least 10 years for random inspections by EU regulatory authorities.
Summary Flowchart
A [Sample Preparation] --> B [EN71-1 Physical Test]
A --> C [EN71-2 Flame Retardancy Test]
A --> D [EN71-3 Chemical Test]
A --> E {{Electric?}} --> |Yes| F [EN IEC 62115]
B & C & D & F --> G [Generate Test Report]
G --> H [Sign DoC]
H --> I [Affix CE Mark]
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