Toy Safety and CE Certification

Toys hold an important place in children’s development and entertainment. However, safety is the most critical aspect of these products. Within the European Union (EU), the primary legislation governing the placing on the market and sale of toys is the 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive. This directive was prepared to ensure the safety of toys and to protect children’s health.

What is the Toy Safety Directive?

The 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive defines the minimum requirements regarding the safety of toys sold in the EU market. This regulation:

  • Covers the design, production, and placing on the market of toys.
  • Requires products to bear the CE marking. The CE mark shows that the product can be legally sold in the EU market and meets the directive’s requirements.

Harmonized Standards

To determine compliance under the Toy Safety Directive, harmonized standards are applied. These standards evaluate the safety of toys against physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical risks.

Some of the main standards include:

  • EN 71 series: Covers physical, mechanical, and chemical safety requirements for toys.
    • EN 71-1: Physical and mechanical properties.
    • EN 71-2: Flammability.
    • EN 71-3: Chemical properties.
  • EN 62115: Safety of electrical toys.
  • EN 60825: Safety requirements for toys with lasers.
  • EN 50088: Safe use of magnets in toys.

Since these standards are regularly updated, it is important for manufacturers to follow the latest versions.

Products Covered by the Directive

The 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive applies to products specifically designed or marketed as children’s toys. Some types of toys that may fall under this scope include:

  1. Children’s toys (dolls, figures, puzzles).
  2. Electronic toys (with sound, light, or movement features).
  3. Play sets and puzzles.
  4. Hobby and craft products (e.g., painting kits, model sets).
  5. Sports toys (balls, inflatable swimming toys).
  6. Baby toys and accessories.
  7. Wooden toys.
  8. Plastic toys.
  9. Rubber toys.

The purpose of the directive is to prevent products that could threaten children’s health and safety from entering the market.

Importance of CE Certification

Having the CE marking on toys shows that manufacturers and distributors have fulfilled their responsibilities in the following areas:

  • Legal compliance: Meeting the requirements necessary for sales in the EU market.
  • Safety: Ensuring children can use toys safely.
  • Market access: CE marking allows free movement of products within the EU.
  • Risk management: Identifying and preventing potential hazards.