European Union · Toys

EN 71 Toy Safety Testing in the European Union

A practical guide to EN 71 Toy Safety Testing for toys sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it
Toys sold in the EU; New products and material changes
Authority
Accredited testing laboratories and market surveillance authorities
Legal basis
EN 71 series, harmonised under Directive 2009/48/EC
Local representative
Not applicable — testing is a product requirement
Timeline
Before CE marking; retest after material or design changes
Cost
Laboratory fees vary by test scope and product
If you do not comply
Non-compliant product and market withdrawal

Who needs this

Documents you need

Compliance checklist

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How to comply

  1. Identify which EN 71 parts apply
  2. Test at an accredited laboratory
  3. Fix failures and retest
  4. Keep reports with the technical file

Brief for your lab or agent

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Request: EN 71 Toy Safety Testing — European Union
Product category: Toys
Authority: Accredited testing laboratories and market surveillance authorities
Legal basis: EN 71 series, harmonised under Directive 2009/48/EC

Documents we already have:
  1. EN 71-1 mechanical and physical test report
  2. EN 71-2 flammability test report
  3. EN 71-3 migration test report

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under EN 71 Toy Safety Testing in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before CE marking; retest after material or design changes.

Laboratory fees vary by test scope and product.

Common rejection reasons

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Is EN 71 mandatory?

EN 71 standards are the harmonised technical route for demonstrating toy safety under the directive.

How long are test reports valid?

There is no universal expiry, but reports must reflect the current product and materials.

Which EN 71 parts apply?

EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-3 are the core parts; additional parts apply to specific toy types.

How much does EN 71 Toy Safety Testing cost?

Laboratory fees vary by test scope and product.

What happens if I sell without it?

Non-compliant product and market withdrawal.

Who regulates EN 71 Toy Safety Testing in the European Union?

Accredited testing laboratories and market surveillance authorities.

Related requirements

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