All you need to know about CE marking toys

The Toy Safety Directive: Europe’s standards for toy safety

All toys being sold in the European Union must bear the CE mark, indicating that they comply with EU harmonised standards for health and safety. The EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC outlines the physical, mechanical, chemical and electrical requirements that a toy must meet to be sold in the EU. A wide range of products are considered toys and must therefore comply with the Toy Safety Directive to be sold in the European Union.

Is my product a toy?

According to the Toy Safety Directive, items that are considered toys are those intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14 years of age. This means that a product does not have to be solely intended for play to be considered a toy. For example, a keyring with a stuffed animal is considered a toy and falls under the scope of the directive. The directive also outlines items which are not considered toys, including:

• Products intended for collectors aged 14 and above
• Sports equipment
• Scooters and other means of transport
• Puzzles with more than 500 pieces
• Educational products for teaching purposes
• Fashion accessories for children

If you are unsure whether your product is a toy, refer to the Toy Safety Directive (Annex I provides a complete list of products that are not considered as toys).

How do I CE mark a toy?

Once you have determined that your product is a toy, it must meet the requirements that are outlined in the Toy Safety Directive. The CE marking procedure for toys includes defining the intended use, carrying out conformity assessments, safety testing, compiling a technical file, drafting a Declaration of Conformity and applying the CE mark.

There are three main tests that are important when CE marking toys:

• Defining mechanical and physical properties – EN 71-1
• Testing for flammability – EN 71-2
• Testing for chemicals – EN 71-3

The specific testing procedures and documentation needed for CE marking a toy depend on the features of your product. If you are unsure what kind of testing or documentation you need to CE mark your toy, contact us. Our experts are happy to guide you through the CE marking process to ensure that your toy meets the highest safety standards.

Can I sell my toys in the European Union?

By drafting a Declaration of Conformity and applying the CE mark, you are declaring that your toy meets EU requirements for health and safety and that it can therefore be sold in Europe. Is your company based in the EU? Then you can begin trading your product when the CE certification is completed. Are you a non-EU manufacturer or e-commerce seller? Then you must have an Authorised Representative to verify your CE marking before you can sell your product in Europe. Read the latest developments in e-commerce and international product controls here.