Process of obtaining EU EN71 certification for children's earrings and toys
Date：2025-11-18 09:24:01 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
Children's earring toys, as accessories that come into direct contact with children, require special attention to key risks such as the safety of small parts and chemical migration when applying for EU EN71 certification. Exporting children's earring toys to the EU requires EN71 certification, with core tests including EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3. The process includes document preparation, selection of an organization, and sample testing.
I. Pre-Certification Preparation Stage
1. Standard Scope Confirmation
- Children's earring toys fall under the category of "toys for children under 14 years old" and must comply with the entire EN71 standard series. The core test items are the first three parts:
- EN71-1: Physical and Mechanical Properties (focusing on testing the risk of small parts falling off, sharp edges, and tensile strength, as earrings may be swallowed by children).
- EN71-2: Flame Retardancy (testing the burning rate of metals, plastics, and decorative materials to prevent hazards after contact with fire sources).
- EN71-3: Migration of Specific Elements (Detects the migration of 19 heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and nickel, especially in earring surface coatings and metal components).
2. Document Preparation Checklist
- Business license, product manual (must specify the applicable age range, such as "Not suitable for children under 3 years old").
- Product BOM (must list in detail the composition of all materials, including metal fittings, plating, and adhesives).
- Test samples (usually 3-5 pieces, including different colors/batches, ensuring coverage of all material combinations).
II. Core Process of Certification
1. Choosing a Certification Body
- Choose an EU-recognized notified body (such as Dezewei Testing CNAS registration number: L8083) or a domestic CNAS/CMA accredited laboratory (reports must be recognized by the EU).
- It is recommended to prioritize institutions with experience in testing jewelry and toys, familiar with the specific risk points of earring products (such as small beads, hook sturdiness).
2. Application and Sample Submission
- Complete the application form (specifying product model, material, and intended use) and mail samples to the laboratory.
- If the product contains detachable parts (such as pendants or beads), separate test samples of these parts are required.
3. Laboratory Testing Phase
- EN71-1 Key Tests:
- Small Parts Test: Simulating swallowing risks for children under 3 years old, detachable parts must pass a tensile test (not detaching under ≥90N force).
- Sharp Edge/Point Test: Metal hooks and earring posts must be smoothly polished to avoid skin scratches.
- EN71-3 Chemical Tests:
- Metal plating must be tested for nickel release (EU REACH regulation additionally requires ≤0.2μg/cm²/week).
- Colored coatings must be tested for lead content (≤90mg/kg) and phthalates (such as DEHP, DBP, etc.).
4. Report and Certificate Acquisition
- Upon successful testing, the certification body will issue an EN71 test report (containing all original data from the tests).
- The company must complete a CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC) based on the report before it can affix the CE marking and enter the EU market.
III. Key Considerations
1. Age Labeling Compliance
- If the earrings are ≤3cm in size or contain small parts, the packaging must be labeled "⚠️ Not suitable for children under 3 years old," and include an age warning icon (EN71-6 standard).
2. Material Changes Require Retesting
- If the metal supplier, plating process, or new decorative materials are changed during subsequent production, EN71-3 testing must be repeated to avoid compliance risks due to batch differences.
3. Certification Cycle and Fees
- Standard Cycle: 5-7 working days
- Fee Range: 800-2000 RMB (depending on the material type; metal, plastic, and fabric require separate testing).
Shen Gongwang Security: 44030602006947