EN71 Part3: What is it and what does it mean for Toy Manufacturers?
Posted on 3rd April 2023 at 09:45
When it comes to toy safety as a manufacturer, in order to understand EN71 Part3, we first have to explore EU standard EN71 and how it applies to the manufacture of toys and children’s articles.
What is EU standard EN71?
The European Union's Toy Safety Directive 2009/48 EC as amended (and as implemented in the UK) outlines EN71 safety criteria toys must meet before they can be sold in any EU market (and the UK).
The primary objective of these criteria is to fulfill the fundamental safety requisites stated in the toy safety directive as indicated by the CE/UKCA marking, with the ultimate aim of safeguarding the wellbeing of children, parents, and caregivers.
How many parts does EN71 have?
European standard EN71 safety requirements for toys made or imported into the European Union (and UK) are published in 14 Parts.
Parts 1, 2 & 3 apply to all toys including battery operated toys.
Part 9 is not harmonized/referenced in the EU journal (which means that although it does not carry a mandatory presumption of conformity with the Toy Safety Directive, this standard has been adopted as a crucial safety measure in most EU countries due to national legal obligations.)
At the Northern Testhouse (Leicester) Ltd, we are experts in EN71 toy safety testing, so you can be sure that your product is compliant in the UK, USA, Australia and any other market in which you wish to sell.
What is EN71 Part3 (migration of certain elements)?
EN71 Part3 (current version EN71 Part3:2019+A1:2021) specifies requirements and test methods for the migration of elements only from accessible toy materials and from parts of toys.
These include:
aluminum
antimony
arsenic
barium
boron
cadmium
Chromium (III)
Chromium (VI)
cobalt
copper
lead
manganese
mercury
nickel
selenium
strontium
tin
organic tin
zinc
Toys and toy materials are classified either as Category I, II or III in accordance with Table 2 of the standard.
Each category has specific migration limits.
Most toy materials are textiles, coatings, polymers, paper and paperboard, wood etc., and are classified as Category III.
Is EN71 Part3 migration of certain elements testing necessary for already tested materials?
Retesting of common materials used in other products//toys is not necessary, however, cross referencing of results is an option that should be considered..
Are there any exemptions or exclusions allowed by EN71 Part3?
Yes, the standard has these key exclusions and provisions, and products that meet these criteria do not need to be tested:
Toys that do not pose a risk through sucking, licking, swallowing or prolonged skin contact
Toys intended for children over 6 years of age. (Potential mouth contact materials such as pens, pencils etc are not exempt.)
Metal toys/components that are not small parts before and after relevant tests.
Materials less than 10mg
Is EN71 Part3 migration of certain elements compliance necessary for other products that are not toys?
Although we refer to EN71 Part3 as mainly toy testing, other children’s articles and products also need to comply with this directive:
A large part of testing for childcare articles and nursery products involves determining that the products comply with EN71 Part3.
Retailers and Store Groups quality assurance specifications for children’s clothing, other soft lines, novelty slippers, footwear, accessories etc products specify compliance with EN71 Part3.
Products such as back to school stationery, backpacks, lunch bags, lunch boxes etc, intended for children’s market need to comply with EN71 Part3.
If you are launching or producing a toy or product for children in the UK or Europe, it is more than likely that you will need EN71 Part3 testing.
We can help.
Do you need EN71 Part3 testing?
Northern Testhouse (Leicester) is an independent UK based laboratory, and offers ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing of EN71 Part3.
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