EN 71 (Series)
Safety of Toys — European Harmonized Standard Series
Standard Introduction
EN 71 is the European harmonized standard series for toy safety, providing the technical specifications that manufacturers use to demonstrate compliance with the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. The standard consists of 14 parts covering mechanical and physical properties (EN 71-1), flammability (EN 71-2), migration of certain elements (EN 71-3), experimental sets for chemistry (EN 71-4), chemical toys (EN 71-5), activity toys (EN 71-8), organic chemical compounds (EN 71-9), and more. Products manufactured in accordance with EN 71 benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential safety requirements of the Toy Safety Directive, simplifying the CE marking process. EN 71 applies to all products designed or intended for play by children under 14 years of age.
EN 71 compliance requires manufacturers to test products across relevant parts of the standard, with particular attention to choking hazards (small parts for under-3s), chemical safety (migration limits for 19 elements including lead, cadmium, and chromium), and mechanical strength. EN 71-3 is especially critical, setting strict migration limits from toy materials — these limits were significantly tightened in recent amendments. Manufacturers must prepare technical documentation, conduct a safety assessment, issue a Declaration of Conformity, and affix the CE mark. While most toys can be self-certified under Module A, toys that undergo chemical testing or include electronic components may require additional EN standards (EN 62115 for electric toys). The EU is currently developing a new Toy Safety Regulation to replace the 2009 Directive, expected to introduce even stricter chemical requirements and new rules for digital toys and AI-enabled toys.
Age-Specific Testing
Testing requirements vary by intended age group — toys for children under 36 months face the strictest mechanical and physical requirements due to mouthing behavior.
Chemical Migration Limits
EN 71-3 sets strict migration limits for 19 elements (including lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium VI) from toy materials, tested by simulating contact with saliva and sweat.
Flammability Standards
EN 71-2 specifies flammability requirements — toys must not constitute a dangerous flammable element. Tests cover surface flash, proximity to flame, and burning rate.
list_alt EN 71 Parts
- EN 71-1: Mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-2: Flammability
- EN 71-3: Migration of certain elements (19 elements)
- EN 71-4: Experimental sets for chemistry
- EN 71-5: Chemical toys other than experimental sets
- EN 71-7: Finger paints
- EN 71-8: Swings, slides, and similar activity toys
- EN 71-12: N-Nitrosamines and N-Nitrosatable substances
Who Needs to Comply?
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors placing toys on the EU/EEA market. Applies to all products designed or intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age.
Key Requirements
Safety Assessment
Conduct a safety assessment covering all hazards (mechanical, physical, chemical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, radioactivity). Consider reasonably foreseeable use including misuse by children.
EN 71 Testing
Test toys against all applicable parts of EN 71 at accredited laboratories. Tests include small parts (choking), sharp edges, tensile strength, chemical migration, and flammability. Age grading determines specific test requirements.
Technical Documentation
Compile a technical file including product description, safety assessment, test reports, materials list, conformity declaration, and CE marking details. Retain for 10 years after the toy is placed on the market.
Warnings and Labeling
Apply required warnings (age recommendations, specific hazard warnings) visibly on the toy, packaging, or instructions. Warnings must be in the official language(s) of the member state where the toy is sold.
Penalties & Enforcement
Non-compliant toys are subject to EU market withdrawal and recalls via the Safety Gate (RAPEX) system. Member state penalties include fines (e.g., up to GBP 20,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment in the UK). Repeat offenders face higher penalties.