Detailed steps of the EU EN71 certification process for children's plush toys
Date：2025-11-26 10:33:45 Classification
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The EU EN71 standard sets technical specifications for toys entering the European market, aiming to reduce or prevent harm to children. The EN71 certification process for children's plush toys can be divided into six core steps, which, when followed sequentially, can be completed efficiently.
Step 1: Preparing Application Materials and Selecting a Certification Body
1. Material List
- Product Details: Name, Model, Applicable Age, Material Description (Fabric, Filling, Accessories, etc.)
- Technical Documents: Design Drawings, Production Process Description, Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Company Information: Business License, Production Address, Contact Person Information
2. Selecting a Certification Body
- Prioritize EU-recognized Notified Bodies (e.g., DEZEW Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083)
- Confirm the certification body has EN17025 laboratory accreditation; the report must include a CE marking declaration of conformity.
Step 2: Sample Submission and Test Item Confirmation
1. Sample Requirements
- Provide 3-5 complete finished products (including all colors and accessories, such as buttons, zippers, etc.)
- If the product has multiple materials or colors, representative samples must be submitted for each.
2. Core Test Items (for Plush Toys)
- EN71-1: Physical and Mechanical Properties (Tension Test for Small Parts, Seam Strength, Sharp Edge Inspection, etc.)
- EN71-2: Flame retardancy test (burning speed of fabric and filling must be less than 7 seconds)
- EN71-3: Migration test for 19 heavy metals (strict limits for lead, cadmium, etc., such as lead less than 90 mg/kg)
- Additional item: If electronic components are included, EN71-9 (organic compounds) must be tested.
Step 3: Laboratory testing and result analysis
1. Testing cycle
- Routine projects take approximately 5-7 working days; complex products (such as those with electronic functions) take 7-10 days.
- The testing agency will provide progress tracking; test status can be checked at any time.
2. Key points of concern
- Special attention is required for plush toys:
Firmness of small parts such as eyes/buttons (must pass a 70N tensile test)
Cleanliness of filling (no odor, no sharp impurities)
Flame retardancy of fabric (self-extinguishing in horizontal burning test)
Step 4: Rectification and retesting (if not passed)
1. Common non-conformities and solutions
- Small parts detaching: Replace reinforcement processes (e.g., add stitching or hot melt adhesive fixation)
- Heavy metal contamination: Replace with environmentally friendly dyes or fillers
- Flame retardancy failure: Use flame-retardant treated fabrics (e.g., add halogen-free flame retardants)
2. Retesting Process
- Rectify non-conformities individually; no need for full retesting
- Resubmit samples after rectification; cycle time is usually shortened to 3-5 days
Step Five: Certification and Technical Document Archiving
1. Certificate Acquisition
- After passing the test, the organization issues a CE certification certificate and a detailed test report
- A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is generated simultaneously, requiring the signature and seal of the company's responsible person
2. Document Archiving Requirements
- Retain test reports, certificates, DoCs, and technical documents for at least 10 years
- EU customs may conduct random inspections; missing documents may result in product seizure.
Step Six: Affixing the CE Mark and Market Access
1. Marking Specifications
- The CE mark must be clearly printed on the product or packaging, with a height ≥ 5mm
2. Subsequent Notes
- Annual product consistency verification is required (it is recommended to sample key items for each batch).
- Pay attention to updates to the EN71 standard (e.g., the addition of antimony limits in EN71-3 in 2025).
Overall Timeline and Cost Reference
| Process Stage | Time Consumption | Cost Range (RMB)
| Material Preparation | 1-2 days | None
| Testing Stage | 5-7 days | 800-2000 RMB
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