European Regulations on Toys and Toys
Compliance with safety regulations is mandatory when selling toys on the European market. In particular, the appropriate Age Warning Logo must be displayed to ensure the safety of children. In addition to this, it is essential to comply with European toy safety standards (EN 71) and obtain the appropriate certifications. This article will provide an overview of the European toy safety standard, the products covered, the differences from the ST Mark, as well as details on how to apply.
What are European toy safety standards?
THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) HAS ENACTED THE TOY SAFETY DIRECTIVE (2009/48/EC) TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF TOYS. UNDER THIS DIRECTIVE, TOYS SOLD ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET MUST MEET THE EN 71 STANDARD, WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS
- EN 71-1: REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- EN 71-2: FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS
- EN 71-3: MIGRATION OF CERTAIN HAZARDOUS ELEMENTS (REGULATION OF HEAVY METALS)
- EN 71-4 TO EN 71-13: REQUIREMENTS FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES, HYGIENE, RADIATION SAFETY, ETC.
In addition, proper display of the age warning logo is required, thereby clearly indicating that the toy is intended for an appropriate age group.
Target Products
European toy safety standards apply to the following products
- Toys for infants and toddlers (rattles, stuffed toys)
- Electronic toys (glow-in-the-dark toys, toys that make sounds)
- Educational toys (puzzles, blocks)
- Action figures and dolls
- Sports-related toys (scooters, tricycles)
- Board games and card games
However, it is important to check the scope of coverage in advance, as there are some products that are not clearly considered "toys," such as decorative items, collectible figurines, and experiment kits for educational purposes.
DIFFERENCES FROM ST MARK
European toy safety standards apply to the following products
- Toys for infants and toddlers (rattles, stuffed toys)
- Electronic toys (glow-in-the-dark toys, toys that make sounds)
- Educational toys (puzzles, blocks)
- Action figures and dolls
- Sports-related toys (scooters, tricycles)
- Board games and card games
However, it is important to check the scope of coverage in advance, as there are some products that are not clearly considered "toys," such as decorative items, collectible figurines, and experiment kits for educational purposes.
| Comparison items | ST MARK | Age Warning Logo |
|---|---|---|
| Certifying Entity | Japan Toy Association | EUROPEAN UNION (EU) |
| legal obligation | Optional (recommended) | obligation |
| Applicable Standards | ST STANDARDS (JAPAN) | EN 71 STANDARD (EUROPE) |
| Target Area | Japanese domestic | All of Europe |
| Method of acquisition | Tested and certified by the Japan Toy Association | Appropriate age logo affixed |
How to apply for the European age warning logo
IN ORDER TO SELL TOYS ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET, THE AGE WARNING LOGO MUST BE PROPERLY DISPLAYED AND MEET THE EN 71 STANDARD. THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS AS FOLLOWS
Product safety testing: Tests are conducted by a third-party testing organization (Notified Body) or in-house in accordance with EN 71 standards.
Preparation of technical documentation: preparation of documents on product design, manufacturing processes, test results, safety assessments, etc.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC): A Declaration of Conformity is prepared to certify that the toy meets EU standards.
Affixing age warning logos: Display logos on toys and packages that indicate the target age range.
Market Monitoring: Continuous control of product safety after sales.
Requirements for application
To properly display the age warning logo, the following conditions must be met
PRODUCT CONFORMS TO EN 71 STANDARD
Free of hazardous substances (lead, phthalates, etc.)
Appropriate age warning logos must be displayed.
Retain technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity for 5 years
DESIGNATE A RESPONSIBLE PERSON IN THE EU (EU CONTACT PERSON)
summary
IN ORDER TO SELL TOYS ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET, IT IS MANDATORY TO DISPLAY THE APPROPRIATE AGE WARNING LOGO, WHICH IS A KEY REQUIREMENT FOR CHILD SAFETY. CONFORMING TO THE EN 71 STANDARD AND DISPLAYING APPROPRIATE AGE-SPECIFIC WARNING LABELS CAN GUARANTEE SAFETY TO CONSUMERS. IN ADDITION, UNLIKE THE JAPANESE ST MARK, THE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY AND DOCUMENT CONTROL ARE REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EUROPEAN SAFETY STANDARDS. THE APPLICATION PROCESS REQUIRES CONDUCTING SAFETY TESTS, PREPARING TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION, AND PREPARING A DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY, AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE MONITORING AFTER MARKETING.
Displaying the appropriate age warning logo is essential for companies to gain credibility in the European market. By understanding their legal obligations and ensuring the safety of their toys, sellers will be able to offer their products to more consumers with confidence.