Toy Safety Compliance: EN 71 and CE Marking
Toys are one of the most tightly regulated consumer categories in Europe, and one of the most heavily enforced. Testing to the EN 71 series, correct age grading, chemical limits and a complete technical file are all required before a toy can legally be sold — and marketplaces increasingly check before a listing goes live.
What the law requires
The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC governs toys placed on the EU market. Conformity is normally demonstrated through the EN 71 standard series, supported by a technical file and an EU Declaration of Conformity.
- EN 71-1 — mechanical and physical properties, including small parts and choking hazards
- EN 71-2 — flammability
- EN 71-3 — migration of certain elements, covering heavy metals and other chemicals
- EN 62115 — additional requirements for electric toys
- REACH — restricted substances in materials
- CE marking, age grading and required warnings in each market language
Who needs this
- Non-EU toy manufacturers and brands selling into Europe
- Amazon, eBay and Etsy sellers listing toys or children’s products in the EU
- Importers and private-label brands sourcing toys from Asia
- Electronic and battery-powered toy brands, which face additional requirements
- Craft and small-batch toymakers selling cross-border
What we do
- Identify which EN 71 parts and other standards apply to your specific toy
- Coordinate testing with accredited laboratories
- Compile and review your technical file and Declaration of Conformity
- Check age grading, warnings and labelling before you print
- Act as your EU Authorised Representative or UK Responsible Person
- Hold your documentation for 10 years and handle authority inquiries
Common mistakes we see
- Relying on the factory’s test report. Supplier reports frequently cover the wrong EN 71 parts, an older revision, or a different material specification.
- Missing EN 71-3 chemical testing. Migration limits apply to almost every toy material and are among the most enforced requirements.
- Wrong age grading. Grading a toy 3+ to avoid small-parts testing does not work if the product is clearly designed for younger children.
- Warnings in only one language. Required warnings must appear in the language of each market where the toy is sold.
- Forgetting the battery. Battery-powered toys carry additional obligations under EN 62115 and the Battery Regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is EN 71?
EN 71 is the European standard series for toy safety. It is split into parts covering mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical migration and more. Testing to the relevant parts is how you demonstrate conformity with the Toy Safety Directive.
Which EN 71 parts apply to my toy?
It depends on the product. EN 71-1 (mechanical and physical) and EN 71-3 (migration of certain elements) apply to almost all toys. EN 71-2 covers flammability. Electric toys additionally fall under EN 62115. We identify the applicable parts as part of onboarding.
Do toys need CE marking?
Yes. Toys placed on the EU market must carry CE marking, supported by a technical file and an EU Declaration of Conformity referencing the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
Do I need an EU representative to sell toys?
Yes, if your business is outside the EU. An EU-based Authorised Representative must hold your technical documentation and act as the contact point for market surveillance authorities.
What about age grading and warnings?
Toys must carry correct age grading and any required warnings, in the language of each market where they are sold. Incorrect or missing warnings are one of the most common reasons for enforcement action.
Is the UK different?
Yes. Great Britain requires UKCA marking and a UK-based responsible person under its own toy safety rules.
