No matter what the conditions are around the world, no matter how volatile the demand is for consumer products, there’s one category of products that will always remain in demand: toys. A child’s best friend, toys have continued to and will be continued to be in demand no matter what the circumstances. It’s a sure-shot profitable business for you.
However, there’s a catch: if you sell toys of substandard quality, you’re likely to cause a lot of trouble for yourself. And when it comes to toys, quality defects aren’t simply about the color quality of the fabric or how neat the stitching is- there’s a major safety element that you must ensure. After all, it may be a matter of a child’s safety.
When importing toys into the European Union, EN 71 compliance is required. However, for a large majority of the importers, there’s a problem: they’re simply unaware that this is perhaps much more complicated than a written CE label.
For this reason, it is important to clarify what EN 71 is and what you need to do to ensure that your imported toys are compliant. Since having toys that are non-compliant simply isn’t an option for you, this article provides you with an in-depth analysis of everything that you need to know about importing toys that are EN 71 standard compliant.
What is the EN 71 Standard?
EN71 is a collection of European Product Safety Standards that apply to all toys sold in the EU.
EN 71, which is part of the CE directive, was created to ensure that all toys sold in the EU meet certain minimum safety requirements in the following areas:
- Mechanical Disturbance
- The ability to resist fire
- Chemical structure
- Sanitation
- Safety
- Radiation
Product safety is always important, but it is especially so when it comes to products that are used (exclusively or not) by children. To make matters even more complicated, the EN 71 directive is divided into thirteen sections which are as follows:
- EN 71-1: Mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-2: Flammability
- EN 71-3: Specification for migration of certain elements
- EN 71-4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
- EN 71-5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
- EN 71-6: Graphical symbols for age warning labeling
- EN 71-7: Finger paints
- EN 71-8: Swings, slides, and similar activity toys for indoor and outdoor family domestic use
- EN 71-9: Organic chemical compounds – Requirement
- EN 71-10: Organic chemical compounds – Sample preparation and extraction
- EN 71-11: Organic chemical compounds – Methods of analysis
- EN 71-12: N-Nitrosamines and N-Nitrosatable Substances
- EN 71-13: Olfactory board games, cosmetic kits, and gustative games
Is it necessary to comply with EN 71 when importing toys into the European Union?
Yes, indeed. It makes no difference whether the commodity is imported from China or made in Europe. It is still required by law. However, determining whether a product is a toy can be difficult at times.
The most common concept is that any product intended for play and marketed to children under the age of 14 is considered a toy and must comply with EN 71.
The duties of the importer are mentioned below. There are, however, rules that can change in the future. Before buying toys from a Chinese retailer, always check with your local authorities.
Check to see if the supplier complies with the EN 71 directive. More information on what this means can be found here.
- Ensure that the name and address of your company are written on the product or its packaging.
- Ascertain that the product’s EN 71 compliance is unaffected by its handling or transportation.
- Ensure that each batch’s samples are lab checked.
- Keep track of any product-related complaints.
- For a period of ten years, keep a copy of any relevant documents (such as certificates of compliance).
- Check for the CE label on the goods (may also be printed on the product packing in case the product is not suitable for printing)
- Ensure that the product comes with an instruction manual.
The Majority of Chinese Toy Manufacturers do not Comply with EN 71.
The manufacturer is always responsible for ensuring EN 71 compliance in toys sold in the EU. Some importers interpret this as a sign that they can depend on their Chinese supplier to take care of anything.
This is not the case at all.
To begin with, the Importer is automatically identified as the Manufacturer if your goods bear your name or are based on your product design. As a result, the Importer is always solely responsible for EN 71 enforcement.
If you import a Chinese toy brand, which is almost unheard of, you must also ask the supplier for test reports and EN 71 documents.
Is it True that I can’t use a Test Report given by my Supplier?
No, you cannot use the EN 71 test report from your supplier for the following reasons:
Your business, not the supplier, must keep the test report.
Only one substance is covered by the test study. It is not applicable to goods made at any other time (or other SKU for that matter)
The EU’s market monitoring authorities are well-versed in reading and evaluating test reports. Even if many importers wish it were, simply displaying a supplier-owned test report is not a shortcut.
Furthermore, as I will clarify further down in this post, a test report is not the only thing you will need.
How do I Find Suppliers who are willing to work with me?
First and foremost, there are no such things as “compliant manufacturers.” Only at the product level will compliance be done.
There is no EN 71 certificate that is valid for a specific business or production facility.
Since your Chinese suppliers aren’t experts in this sector, it’s not their duty to ensure EN 71 compliance. Instead, it is your responsibility to ensure that the product’s design, components, and materials meet all relevant EN requirements.
This, in essence, necessitates a thorough analysis and application of the EN 71 terminology.
Nonetheless, you may warn your supplier that the product must comply with EN 71 and will be subjected to laboratory testing prior to shipping.
How do we Ensure EN 71 Compliance?
EN 71 enforcement is more complicated than just having a lab test report and moving on. Each SKU (Product / Model) must go through four different stages.
Technical Compatibility
The first step is to determine which EN 71 sections are applicable. There are many, as previously mentioned.
Not all sections of EN 71 are applicable to all goods. As a result, it’s up to you to double-check which sections apply.
As an EU toy importer, it’s critical that you thoroughly comprehend the technical specifications outlined in all relevant EN 71 sections, as you’ll need to ensure that the product’s design and materials comply.
CE Certification
The CE mark is required on all toys sold in the European Union. You must provide your supplier with a CE mark file that includes the measurements, print location, and colour.
It’s worth noting that there could be additional labeling criteria.
Documentation All CE-certified products, including toys, must have the following documentation:
Conformity Declaration
Technical File for the User Manual (i.e., design drawings, bill of materials, and other documents)
These aren’t available from your supplier. Instead, you must issue them yourself – prior to placing the products on the EU market.
To put it another way, enforcement isn’t just about getting your things through customs.
Reports on Tests
A test report is used to demonstrate that the product meets EN 71 requirements. You must apply a batch sample to an approved lab testing company to receive one (not any testing company will do).
After the lab test, you can receive a digital document specifying whether or not the product is compliant.
After the lab test is completed, you will obtain a digital document indicating whether or not the product is compliant.
It is illegal to import and sell a product that fails EN 71 lab research. As a result, it’s important to know whether the product is technically compliant before ordering a lab test.
EN 71 laboratory testing costs about $500 per product. Products in a variety of colors and materials
What happens if my goods aren’t up to the mark?
Importers of non-compliant toys are not negotiated with by EU authorities. Compliance with EN 71 is always needed. Selling such goods would almost always result in a retail recall – or a lawsuit if someone is hurt as a result of your products.
The EU also does not compensate importers of non-compliant goods, even though the supplier is to blame.
Keep in mind that the EN 71 directive is revised on a regular basis. Chemicals are constantly being regulated.
This article will become obsolete at any time. I can assure you, however, that the specifications will not be relaxed anytime soon (and for very good reasons).
Do you need Assistance to Ensure that all Mandatory Safety Requirements are Met?
We understand how difficult it is to understand food quality requirements, labeling, documentation, and lab testing. We developed the Starter Package to help startups get a handle on the process and escape crushing fines and forced product recalls.
- A summary of product protection regulations in the United States, Europe, Australia, and other countries
- Document sample files are needed.
- Files with the product marking templates
Hope this article helps you in making an informed decision about importing toys from China.