EN71 Certification for Toys: What It Covers & How to Get It

Key Takeaways

• EN71 is a mandatory safety standard for toys sold in the European Union, enforced under the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).
• EN71-1 covers mechanical and physical safety (sharp edges, small parts, choking hazards).
• EN71-2 specifies flammability requirements to limit burn rates and ignition sources.
• EN71-3 sets migration limits for 19 heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury) accessible from toy materials.
• Certification requires testing by an accredited third-party lab such as SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas.
• A compliant supplier should provide a valid EN71 test report issued within the last 12 months, along with a Declaration of Conformity and CE marking.

Why EN71 Certification Matters for Toy Importers

Without EN71 certification, your toys cannot be legally sold in the EU. Customs authorities and market surveillance bodies (like Germany's LGA or the UK's OPSS) routinely test batches. If a product fails—even on a single heavy metal limit—it can be seized, recalled, or fined. According to the European Commission's 2023 Safety Gate report, toys are among the most notified product categories, with chemical and mechanical hazards leading the list.

For a B2B buyer, EN71 is not just a legal checkbox. It's a signal of supplier quality. A factory that consistently passes EN71-3 heavy metal testing likely uses certified raw materials and maintains process control. Brands like CPS TOYS, with 200+ staff and 12 production lines based in Chenghai, Shantou, regularly test their bubble toys and outdoor toys through SGS and Intertek, ensuring each batch meets the latest EN71 limits.

What EN71 Covers: Three Parts Explained

EN71 is divided into several parts, but Parts 1, 2, and 3 are the core for most toys. Each addresses a different hazard category.

EN71-1: Mechanical and Physical Properties. This part tests for sharp points, sharp edges, small parts (choking hazard), and risks from cord length or projectiles. For example, a bubble gun must ensure the trigger mechanism doesn't create pinch points, and any removable battery cover must pass a torque test. According to the standard, toys intended for children under 36 months must not contain any small parts that fit entirely into the small parts cylinder (16 mm diameter).

EN71-2: Flammability. This section sets burn rate limits for toys that could catch fire, such as costumes, soft toys, and tents. For instance, a toy tent made of fabric must have a burn rate no greater than 30 mm/s. CPS TOYS' outdoor toys, like their camping tents, use flame-retardant materials to meet this requirement.

EN71-3: Migration of Certain Elements. This is the chemical safety test. It measures how much of 19 hazardous elements (including lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and antimony) can leach out of toy materials under simulated stomach acid conditions. The limits are extremely low—for lead, it's 2.0 mg/kg for scraped-off materials. CPS TOYS uses food-grade ABS and PP for their STEM building blocks and bubble wands, and all plastic parts pass this migration test.

EN71 Standards vs. Other Toy Safety Standards

How to Get EN71 Certification: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Identify the applicable parts. For most toys, you need EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3. Some toys (e.g., electric toys) also require EN IEC 62115 for electrical safety. CPS TOYS, for example, offers their Electric Bubble Machine Stage 64-Hole with both EN71 and EN IEC 62115 certifications.

Step 2: Send samples to an accredited lab. SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas are the most recognized. The lab will test according to the latest version of EN71 (currently 2021 amendments). Expect testing to take 1-3 weeks depending on the complexity.

Step 3: Receive the test report. If the product passes, the lab issues a test report valid for 12 months in most cases. The manufacturer then draws up a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and affixes the CE mark on the product and packaging.

Step 4: Maintain ongoing compliance. EU law requires that the DoC and test report be kept for 10 years after the last batch. If you change materials, suppliers, or design, re-testing is mandatory. CPS TOYS, with a monthly capacity of 500,000+ pcs and 100+ partner factories in Chenghai, follows a batch-testing protocol to ensure consistency.

Required Documents for EN71 Certification

To obtain an EN71 test report, the manufacturer must provide: a product sample (typically 3-5 pieces for mechanical tests, plus 10-20 grams of each material for chemical testing), a completed product description form (including materials list and intended age range), and a signed application. The lab may also request a color photo and packaging details.

For a buyer, the documents you should request from your supplier are: the EN71 test report (issued within the last 12 months from an ISO 17025 accredited lab), the Declaration of Conformity (signed by the manufacturer), and the CE marking affixed to the product. CPS TOYS, as a supplier with 14 years of experience, provides these documents for all their bubble toys, outdoor toys, and educational toys, and their business team can explain the certification status of each SKU in English, Spanish, or Russian.

How to Choose a Supplier with EN71 Compliance

First, ask for the EN71 test report before placing a large order. A reliable supplier will share it without hesitation. Check the report date and the lab's accreditation number.

Second, verify that the supplier's factory uses certified raw materials. A factory that sources ABS or PP from known suppliers (e.g., LG Chem, SABIC) can trace material batches. CPS TOYS uses food-grade ABS and PP for their STEM Building Blocks and Bubble Wand, and they can provide material certificates upon request.

Third, look for a supplier that offers batch testing. Even if the first batch passes, changes in production can cause failures. CPS TOYS runs regular internal tests and works with SGS, Intertek, and BV for third-party validation, ensuring consistency across their 5000+ SKUs.

Choose a supplier with a long track record in the EU market. CPS TOYS has exported to 80+ countries since 2012, and their products are certified to EN71, ASTM F963, and other regional standards, making them a safe choice for importers who cannot afford compliance risks.

FAQ

What is the cost of EN71 testing for a toy?

The cost varies by lab and complexity, typically ranging from $800 to $3,000 per product. It's best to request a quote from SGS, Intertek, or BV for your specific toy type.

Is EN71 the same as CE marking?

No. CE marking is a broader conformity mark required for many products in the EU. For toys, compliance with EN71 is one of the key ways to meet the CE requirements under the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).

How long is an EN71 test report valid?

Most labs consider the report valid for 12 months from the test date. However, if the standard is updated (e.g., new migration limits), the report may become obsolete sooner.

Can I use one EN71 report for multiple similar products?

No. Each product variant (different color, size, or material) typically requires its own test report, unless the lab confirms the variations are identical in material composition and design.

What happens if my product fails EN71 testing?

The lab will provide a failure report detailing which limits were exceeded. You must redesign or change the material to address the failure, then re-submit for testing. Some labs offer consulting services to help fix the issue.

Does CPS TOYS provide EN71 certification for OEM orders?

Yes. CPS TOYS can arrange EN71 testing for custom OEM products, though the testing cost is borne by the customer. They have experience with SGS, Intertek, and BV and can guide you through the process.

Request a Quote

If you are sourcing toys for the EU market and need EN71-compliant products, contact CPS TOYS. We provide OEM/ODM services with full certification support, including EN71, ASTM F963, CPC, and more. Request a quote and a sample for your next project.