Toy Testing
SATRA can test toys to the EN 71 series of test methods as well as conduct due diligence toy assessments against products that may not be required to be CE-marked as toys.
Fit for purpose
We conduct a wide range of toy testing to ensure that toys are safe to use and fit for purpose. Testing to the EN 71 series of test methods is often used to assess toys against current legislation, and to assess products that are not strictly classified as toys but under general product safety are appropriate to be asses to EN 71.
EN 71
The three main parts applicable to most toys are: EN 71-1 – ‘Mechanical and Physical Properties’, which includes an assessment for sharp edges, sharp points and choking hazards; EN 71-2 – ‘Flammability’ which is particularly relevant for dressing up costumes, soft filled toys and face masks; EN 71-3 – ‘Migration of Certain Elements’, which assesses a product for restricted heavy metals such lead and cadmium (these metals may be used as stabilisers and pigments in toy materials). EN71-3 was revised in 2013 to take account of the number of restricted metals and species being expanded from eight to 19. SATRA has made a significant investment in new equipment to test in accordance with this revised procedure.
Due diligence
The main way to guarantee standards of safety is through rigorous toy testing and quality control before the product reaches the market. SATRA can assess the risk of injury from a toy, as well as carry out analysis for the presence of restricted metals such as lead, chromium and mercury. Established and effective procedures that ensure toys are quality-assured help demonstrate due diligence and may demonstrate that the supplier has taken all reasonable steps to prevent an inappropriate product from reaching the market. Ensuring that toys are as safe as possible is essential, and toy testing protocols can also be undertaken as part of this risk assessment. Anyone selling or distributing consumer merchandise in the European Union (EU) is responsible for the safety of the products. If the manufacturer is outside the EU, any investigation and enforcement action related to faulty products focuses on the retailer, distributor or importer.
Novelty children’s footwear
SATRA can also carry out due diligence testing of other items for children – for example, novelty slippers. A risk assessment is needed to identify any hazards present, some of which will be assessed during toy testing. However, there may be additional hazards that are specific to footwear, such as slip and trip hazards.
Resources
SATRA corporate brochure
Toy testing services leaflet
Testing to EN 71-3:2013 +A1:2014 leaflet
Total lead testing in children’s products and jewellery leaflet
Technical links
Toys and due diligence testinga
Washington State Chemicals of High Concern to Children