EU – Trampolines Now Classified as Toys
Vol. 796 | December 04, 2014
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) recently approved EN71 – Part 14: Trampolines for domestic use. As a result, trampolines are considered toys if they are intended for domestic use and to be used by children under 14 years of age. They should meet the essential requirements of EU Directive 2009/48/EC.
Approved in October 2014, EN71 – Part 14 will soon be published as the European standard in Europe. Once it is harmonized under the EU Toy Safety Directive, it will confer a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the Directive.
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for trampolines for domestic use, their access devices and their enclosures, intended for outdoor and/or indoor use above ground level by one person at a time. However, it excludes:
- Trampolines used as gymnastics equipment, covered by EN 13219
- Floating inflatable trampolines, covered by the EN 15649 series
- Trampolines used in public playgrounds
- Inclined mat trampolines
- Inflatable trampolines
- Fitness trampolines, including trampolines for medical use
- Trampolines with additional features, e.g. tents, basketball hoop
- Trampolines for domestic use buried at ground level
According to the Standard, trampolines are classified as 3 different types subjected to its frame size, height and maximum user weight:
| Mini | Medium | Large | |
| Frame size in mm | <1500 | > 1500 < 2500 | > 2500 |
| Frame height in mm | <350 | > 350 | > 350 |
| Maximum user in weight in kg | 25 | 50 | Manufacturer defined |
Different requirements are set for different types of trampolines, but in general, requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Enclosure is mandatory if the trampoline is of the type medium or large and it shall not be equipped with a handrail
2) For indoor purpose, mini trampolines should be provided with anti-slip feet
3) Metal parts of medium or large trampolines, or those intended for outdoor use, shall be rust-resistant (neutral salt spray test, 48 hours) (excludes those with stainless steel hardware)
4) Non-metal parts such as outermost material in the padding system for the frame and enclosure shall retain at least 80% of their tensile properties after 400 hours in UV radiation environment (per ISO 4892-3, Method A, Cycle No. 1)
5) Entrapment of head, neck, finger or foot
6) Pinching and crushing hazard
7) Strength of frames, access devices, mat, suspension system or enclosures
8) Impact on the frame padding and on the suspension system shall not show a peak acceleration exceeding 500 m/s2
9) Mat deflection
10) Stability
11) Warnings, markings and instructions
There are many warnings and labeling content requirements that shall be marked on the product/ packaging. Following are some typical warnings for quick reference:“Warning. Only for domestic use.”
- “Warning. Max XX kg.”
- “Warning. Only one user. Collision hazard.”
- “Warning. Adult supervision required.”
- “Warning. [Indicate whether the trampoline is intended for indoor and/or outdoor use].”
- “Warning. No somersaults.”
- “Warning. Always close the net opening before jumping.”
- “Warning. Read the instruction.”
- The symbol ISO 7000:2012, 1641 may be used instead of the text “Read the instruction.”
- “Warning. The net should be replaced every (*) year(s).” (*The time is to be specified by the manufacturer.)
For questions, please contact:
Mr. Isaac Lam
isaac.lam@intertek.com
or
Ms. Kathy Lee
kathy.lee@intertek.com