As a professional wooden toy manufacturer, we understand that product safety is the cornerstone of trust for both B2B buyers and end consumers.
For wooden toys exported to global markets, complying with regional safety certifications is not only a mandatory requirement but also a key differentiator in the competitive toy industry.
This guide comprehensively covers safety certification standards for wooden toys in major markets (the United States, European Union, Australia, Japan), introduces renowned authorized testing laboratories, and explains how our factory ensures full compliance with these rigorous requirements.
Why Are Wooden Toy Safety Certifications Non-Negotiable?
Wooden toys are beloved by parents worldwide for their durability, eco-friendliness, and educational value. However, due to the direct contact between toys and children (especially toddlers who may bite or suck on toys), safety risks such as heavy metal migration, toxic paint, and structural instability cannot be ignored.
Safety certifications serve three core purposes:
1) Legal Compliance: Meeting the mandatory requirements of target markets to avoid customs detention or market recall;
2) Consumer Trust: Proving that products are non-toxic, durable, and suitable for children's use;
3) B2B Cooperation Foundation: Providing reliable safety proof for importers, retailers, and brand owners to facilitate long-term partnerships.
For our factory, every batch of wooden toys (including dollhouses, kitchen playsets, climbing frames, and kids' wardrobes) undergoes strict testing to meet or exceed global safety standards before leaving the factory.
Different countries and regions have formulated targeted safety standards based on their own regulatory frameworks and consumer needs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core requirements for wooden toys in key export markets:
1. European Union (EU): EN 71 Series Standards
The EN 71 series is the most authoritative and widely recognized toy safety standard in the EU, applicable to all toys sold in EU member states, as well as countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). For wooden toys, the key standards to focus on are EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-3.
- EN 71-1: Mechanical and Physical Properties – Focuses on structural safety to prevent mechanical hazards. For wooden toys: Sharp edges and corners must be rounded (radius ≥ 2mm); Small parts (e.g., wooden screws, decorative accessories) must not be easily detached to avoid choking risks; Climbing frames and other large toys must pass stability tests (anti-tip, load-bearing capacity ≥ 50kg for children aged 3+); Wooden components must not splinter or crack under normal use.
- EN 71-2: Flammability – Restricts the flammability of toy materials. Wooden toys (especially those with fabric accessories like dollhouse curtains) must meet flame retardant requirements; Solid wood materials must not spread flames rapidly (flame spread time ≥ 10 seconds).
- EN 71-3: Migration of Certain Elements – The most critical standard for wooden toys, limiting the migration of 19 heavy metals and harmful elements. Key limits include: Lead (Pb) ≤ 0.05% (500ppm), Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 0.01% (100ppm), Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.01% (100ppm), Arsenic (As) ≤ 0.01% (100ppm). For paints and coatings used on wooden toys, the migration limit is even stricter (e.g., lead ≤ 0.009% (90ppm)).
Additional Requirements: Since 2021, toys sold in the EU must also comply with REACH Regulation, which restricts the use of 233 SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) such as phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP ≤ 0.1% in total).
2. United States (US): ASTM F963 & CPSIA
The United States has two core regulatory frameworks for toy safety: ASTM F963 (voluntary standard, but mandatory for market access) and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, mandatory for all children's products under 12 years old).
- ASTM F963-17: Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety – Covers mechanical safety, flammability, and chemical safety. For wooden toys: Similar to EN 71-1, it requires rounded edges, no small detachable parts for toys intended for children under 3; Chemical requirements include limits on heavy metals (lead ≤ 0.06%, cadmium ≤ 0.01%) and phthalates (same as REACH); Wooden toys with coatings must pass a "solvent extraction test" to ensure no toxic substances are released.
- CPSIA Requirements – Reinforces chemical safety: Lead content in any accessible part of children's products (including wooden toys) must be ≤ 0.01% (100ppm); Third-party testing is mandatory (products must be tested by a CPSC-accepted laboratory); Products must be labeled with tracking information (e.g., batch number, factory code) for recall purposes.
3. Australia: AS/NZS ISO 8124 Series
Australia and New Zealand adopt the AS/NZS ISO 8124 series, which is largely aligned with the EN 71 series but with minor regional adjustments. It is mandatory for all toys sold in Australia.
- AS/NZS ISO 8124.1: Mechanical and physical properties – Same core requirements as EN 71-1, with additional strict requirements for wooden climbing frames and outdoor toys (e.g., load-bearing capacity test for climbing frames must simulate 1.5 times the maximum intended weight).
- AS/NZS ISO 8124.2: Flammability – More stringent for wooden toys with painted surfaces (flame retardant performance must be tested at 45°C).
- AS/NZS ISO 8124.3: Migration of certain elements – Identical heavy metal limits to EN 71-3; Additionally, it requires testing for formaldehyde emission from wooden materials (≤ 0.124mg/m³).
Additional Note: Australia's ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) randomly inspects toys on the market; non-compliant products will be immediately recalled and may result in fines.
4. Japan: ST 2016 & Food Sanitation Act
Japan's toy safety standards are regulated by the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), with the core standard beingST 2016 (Safety Technical Standards for Toys). For wooden toys, additional compliance with the Food Sanitation Act is required (since children may put toys in their mouths).
ST 2016 Requirements – Mechanical safety: Rounded edges (radius ≥ 1.5mm for toys under 6 years old); Small parts test (using a 32mm diameter cylinder to prevent choking); Chemical safety: Heavy metal migration limits (lead ≤ 0.05%, cadmium ≤ 0.01%), and restrictions on 6 types of phthalates (total ≤ 0.1%).
Food Sanitation Act Requirements – Paints and coatings used on wooden toys must be "food-contact grade" (no toxic substances released when in contact with saliva or food); Wooden materials must be free of preservatives that are harmful to the human body.
Additional Requirement: Toys sold in Japan must be labeled with the "ST Mark" (voluntary, but highly recognized by consumers) or pass third-party testing by a JIS-accredited laboratory.
