EU Toy Safety Directive Testing (EN 71)
Intertek offers comprehensive toy safety assessment, testing, recordkeeping, compliance and training solutions to help ensure your products meet the obligations and requirements of the new EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
The general provisions of the EU Toy Safety Directive define what constitutes a toy, outline technical documentation requirements, establish production control and more. Chemical requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive, which include restrictions on toxic elements, certain fragrances and use of CMR chemicals, were effective July 20, 2013. Intertek developed its EN 71-3 Chemical Testing Solution to address these new chemical requirements.
Also outlined in the EU Toy Safety Directive are roles and obligations for toy manufacturers, importers and distributors, as follows:
| Task | Manufacturer | Authorized Representative | Importer | Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical documentation and carry out conformity & safety assessments | Required | Required | Ensure it's done | Required |
| Sample test marketed toys | Required | Required | Required | Not Required |
| Ensure conformity of series production | Required | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Affix conformity marking (CE) and product identification | Required | Required | Ensure it's done | Verify it's done |
| Keep the technical documentation | Required | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Make available the technical documentation upon request | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Draw up EC DoC | Required | Required | Not Required | Not Required |
| Add name and address | Required | Required
For non-EU mfr | Required | Verify it's done |
| Keep DoC and make it available | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Keep records of complaints, non-conforming toys and recalls | Required | Required | Required | Not Required |
| Avoid jeopardizing compliance during storage or transportation | Not Required | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Document in correct language | Required | Required | Required | Required |
Intertek offers a number of EU Toy Directive solutions to help you meet these obligations.
Intertek’s global network of laboratories and offices in 110 countries includes three laboratories in the United Kingdom, France and Germany that have been approved as Notified Bodies by the European Commission to perform EC Type examination, as well as laboratories in the United Kingdom, France and Hong Kong accredited to perform EN 71-3 chemical testing.
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Resources
Webinar
Explaining EN 71-3 2013 New Chemical Migration Limits in Toys and Childcare Items Webinar
White Papers
Essentials of Due Diligence and Bench marking White Paper
Understanding EN 71-3 new chemical migration limits in toys and childcare items
An Expert’s View of the Implications of the New EU Toy Directive (2009/48/EC) (776 KB PDF)
Insight Bulletins (formerly Sparkles)
Insight Bulletins on the EU Toy Safety Directive (EN 71)