Although wooden toys are often associated with natural materials, their safety depends on much more than the type of wood used. Product structure, coatings, mechanical performance and age suitability must also be evaluated.Understanding the main requirements in Europe and the United States can help buyers prepare for compliant product launches.
1. EN71: European Toy Safety Standards
EN71 is a series of European standards covering different aspects of toy safety.
Three commonly relevant parts are:
- EN71-1: Mechanical and physical properties, including accessible parts and potential injury hazards.
- EN71-2: Flammability requirements.
- EN71-3: Migration limits for specified elements in toy materials.
The applicable requirements depend on the product and its intended use.
2. ASTM F963: US Toy Safety Requirements
ASTM F963 is a key toy safety standard incorporated into US federal toy safety requirements.
It addresses hazards associated with toy construction and materials, including relevant mechanical, physical and chemical safety considerations.
Importers should confirm which requirements apply to their specific products and arrange appropriate testing.
3. What Is a Children's Product Certificate?
A Children's Product Certificate (CPC) is required for applicable children's products sold in the United States.
It is issued by the manufacturer or importer based on supporting test results and applicable regulatory requirements.
4. Does CE Marking Mean Third-Party Certification?
CE marking indicates the manufacturer's declaration that a product meets applicable EU requirements.
For toys, the conformity assessment procedure depends on the circumstances. Third-party notified-body involvement is not mandatory for every toy.
Importers should request the relevant Declaration of Conformity and supporting technical documentation.
