Obtaining EU EN71 Certification Reports for Plastic Bath Toys
Date:2026-10-08 09:55:34 Classification
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Obtaining EU EN71 Certification for Plastic Bath Toys
I. Product Definition and Regulatory Classification
Bath toys primarily refer to plastic toys used by infants and toddlers during bathing. Common types include:
Rubber ducks, wind-up ducks, water-squirting toys, and squeaky toys
Floating toys, water guns, and bath books
Plastic character toys such as dolls and cartoon animals
Since the users are young children under the age of 3, and the usage scenario involves prolonged immersion in water and oral contact, these products fall under the strictest EN71 category—"toys for children under 36 months"—and must comply with the full suite of EN71 standards.
II. Overview of Testing Standards
| Regulation | Scope | Applicability to Bath Toys
| EN71-1 | Mechanical and physical properties | Mandatory
| EN71-2 | Flammability | Mandatory
| EN71-3 | Migration of certain elements | Mandatory (Most critical)
| EN71-9, -10, -11, -12 | Organic chemical compounds | Mandatory
| EN71-4 | Experimental sets | Required only for chemical toys
| EN71-5, -7, -8, -13, -14 | Specific toy categories | Generally not applicable
Bath toys typically lack electronic components, so EN62115 does not apply; however, if batteries are used, that specific component requires separate assessment. III. Key Testing Items
1. Mechanical and Physical Safety (EN71-1)
Small parts, sharp edges, and sharp points: To prevent ingestion and scratching/laceration.
Film thickness: Thickness of plastic bags and film packaging must be ≥ 0.038 mm.
Sound: Sound output from wind-up or squeeze mechanisms must be ≤ 90 dB.
Cord length: If bath toys have hanging cords, the length must comply with anti-entanglement requirements for infants.
Impact/Tensile strength: To prevent breakage that could create small parts.
2. Flammability (EN71-2)
Combustion rate testing for plastic components.
Exclusion of toys using flammable gases or liquids.
3. Chemical Migration (EN71-3 + EN71-9/10/11/12) — Core requirement for bath toys
Migration of 8 elements (expanded to 19 parameters): Aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, zinc, etc.
Migration of specific organic substances: Phthalates, flame retardants, aromatic amines, phenols, Bisphenol A (BPA), formaldehyde, nitrosamines, etc.
pH value: The pH of liquids in contact with the skin must be within a reasonable range.
Microorganisms and preservatives: Additional assessment required if antimicrobial coatings or materials are used.
As bath toys are immersed in warm water for extended periods and may retain water, the migration of chemical substances into the water requires critical assessment. Actual testing often incorporates the Material Migration Factor (MMF) from EN71-3 during the extraction process, with stricter scrutiny applied to toys designed for prolonged immersion. IV. Application Process
1. Product Information Compilation: Material (PVC, TPR, silicone, etc.), target age group, and presence of water or electrical components.
2. Agency Selection: Choose an accredited international agency (e.g., Dezewei Testing, CNAS Registration No. L8083, holding ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation).
3. Sample Quantity: 5–10 finished units per test item; silicone/plastic components must be representative of actual production batches.
5. Cost: Approximately 800–1,500 RMB per item.
6. Turnaround Time: Standard 5–7 working days; expedited service available.
7. Report Issuance: A formal EN71 report (including standard clauses) is issued upon passing tests; the product may enter the EU market once the CE mark is affixed.
V. Important Considerations
Samples must be identical to actual shipment units; the report becomes invalid if samples differ from production units.
Material/Process Changes: Retesting is required for any changes to materials, manufacturing processes, or colors following the initial test report.
Dual-Use Assessment: If a toy is designed for water contact but intended for use in other scenarios, it is recommended to implement a waterproof design and conduct assessments for multiple usage scenarios.
Warning Label Requirements: Affix the CE mark and necessary warning statements (e.g., applicable age range, suffocation warnings).
Packaging Requirements: Plastic bags and outer packaging must comply with the packaging safety clauses of EN71-1.
Report Validity: Typically one year; periodic reviews are recommended.