Children's cloth book EU EN71 certification application process
Date:2025-09-25 10:08:29 Classification
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EN71 is the EU standard for toys. Europe introduced the EN71 toy certification directive, which uses the EN71 standard to set technical specifications for toys entering the European market, thereby reducing or preventing harmful effects on children. The EN71 certification process and key considerations for children's cloth books exported to the EU are organized based on the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC and the EN71 standard, incorporating laboratory procedures:
I. Pre-certification Materials
1. Sample Requirements:
- Provide 3-5 finished products from the same batch (including all material components: fabric, thread, ink, plastic parts, etc.).
- If electronic components are included (e.g., sound generators), a circuit diagram is required.
2. Technical Documents:
- Product design drawings, bill of materials (BOM), supply chain compliance declaration (e.g., RoHS report for fabric).
- Instruction manual (indicating age range and cleaning instructions).
II. EN71 Core Testing Items and Process
Phase 1: Laboratory Testing (5-7 Days)
| Test Items | Test Content
| Physical and Mechanical Safety | Small Parts Testing (Swallowing Prevention), Suture Tensile Strength, Button/Velcro Tensile Strength, Sharp Edge Inspection
| Chemical Migration | 19 Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, etc.) Release Testing (Simulated Saliva/Gastric Fluid Immersion), Focus: Printing Inks and Dyed Fabrics
| Flammability | Fabric Burning Rate Testing (Fluffy Cloth Books Require Flame Retardant Treatment)
| Special Components | Plastic Lenses/Sounding Devices: Phthalate (6P) Content, Battery Compartment Safety (Leakage Prevention)
Phase 2: Report Review and Corrective Actions
- Common Corrective Action Issues:
- Excessive Lead Content in Ink → Switch to a Heavy Metal-Free Ink Supplier.
- Small Parts Prone to Falling Off → Enhance Sewing Processing or Eliminate Decorative Elements <3.2cm in Diameter
- Burning rate too fast → Use flame-retardant lining (e.g., polyester instead of cotton).
III. Certification Process
1. Application Submission:
- Submit application form and technical documentation to a CNAS/ILAC-accredited laboratory.
2. Sample Testing:
- The laboratory will split the material (e.g., cut a 10cm x 10cm piece of fabric) for targeted testing.
3. Report Issuance:
- Receive an EN71 test report (with laboratory stamp) if qualified.
4. Declaration of Conformity (DoC):
- The manufacturer drafts a DoC declaring that the product complies with the EN71 standard.
5. CE Marking:
- Mark the product packaging with the CE mark and age warning (e.g., "0-3 years old require adult supervision").
IV. Special Notes
1. Differences among Member States:
- Exports to Germany: Additional GS certification is required (including bisphenol A and PAHs testing).
- Exports to France: Packaging must include material composition information in French.
2. Platform Compliance:
- Amazon/Temu require the submission of an EN71 report and a DoC document; otherwise, the product will be removed from the shelves.
3. Validity and Supervision:
- The report is valid for one year and requires annual inspection and renewal.
V. Cost and Optimization Suggestions
- Testing Fees:
- The three basic tests (physical, chemical, and flammability) cost approximately ¥1,500-2,000.
- Cost Control:
- Request suppliers to provide EN71-3 compliance reports for fabrics/inks in advance to reduce duplicate testing.