Stuffed Toys EU EN71 Certification Testing Procedure
Date:2025-10-09 09:55:00 Classification
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The EN71 standard establishes technical specifications for toys entering the European market, thereby reducing or preventing harm to children. The complete process and key points for obtaining EU EN71 certification for stuffed toys (such as plush toys) are as follows:
I. Core Steps of Certification
1. Preliminary Consultation and Application
- Contact an EU-accredited testing agency (such as Dezewei) and submit product information (material list, design drawings, and production process).
- Confirm the test scope: EN71-1 (physical properties), EN71-2 (flame retardancy), and EN71-3 (migration of 19 heavy metals) are mandatory tests; if the product contains electronic components (such as sound-generating devices), EN62115 (electrical toy safety) must also be tested.
2. Sample Preparation and Shipping
- Provide 3-5 unpackaged finished products, covering all materials and colors (different colors must be tested separately).
- Special Requirements: Washable toys require samples before and after washing; toys with batteries must include a power adapter.
3. Laboratory Testing Key Points
- Physical Properties (EN71-1): Seam Strength (tensile test ≥ 70N), Risk of Small Parts Falling Off, Sharp Edge Detection.
- Flame Retardancy (EN71-2): Filling Burning Speed ≤ 30mm/s (for plush/textile fabrics).
- Chemical Safety (EN71-3): Leachable Content of 19 Heavy Metals, including Lead (≤ 90ppm) and Cadmium (≤ 75ppm).
4. Technical Documentation Preparation
- Must include: Product Specifications, EC Declaration of Conformity, Test Report, and Risk Assessment Document.
- Documents must be retained for at least 10 years for random inspections by EU market regulators.
5. Certification and Marking Application
- Upon passing the test, an EN71 test report and CE certificate will be issued, and the CE mark will be affixed to the product packaging.
- Note: The CE mark must be ≥ 5mm in height, legible, and indelible.
II. Key Considerations
- Cycle and Cost
- Regular Certification Cycle: 5-7 working days (extended to 2 weeks for complex products).
- Fee Structure: Basic Fee (approximately ¥1,000) + Material/Color Surcharge (¥200-500 per additional color).
- Special Scenario Handling
- Battery-Containing Toys: Requires additional electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.
- Ingestible Parts: Strict saliva migration simulation testing per EN71-3.
- Washing Requirements: Requires safety testing after multiple washes.
- Agency Selection Recommendations
- Prefer an agency with an EU NB Notification Number to ensure EU-wide compliance.
- Verify that the agency is familiar with EU directive updates (e.g., the new phthalate restrictions in 2023).
III. Common Failure Points and Mitigations
1. Insufficient Seam Strength: Increase seam density (recommended ≥ 6 stitches per centimeter).
2. Heavy Metal Exceedance: Avoid using cheap dyes containing cadmium or lead, and choose environmentally friendly colorants.
3. Flame Retardant Violations: Ban polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and use inorganic flame retardants such as aluminum hydroxide instead.
> Note: Certification Validity: EN71 reports have no fixed validity period, but changes to materials or processes require recertification; CE marking requires annual review.