Short answer
The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC applies to products designed or intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age. Before CE marking, the manufacturer must carry out a safety assessment covering physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical, flammability, hygiene and radioactivity hazards, usually by testing against the EN 71 series.
Common standards
- EN 71-1 mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-2 flammability
- EN 71-3 migration of certain elements
- EN IEC 62115 electric toys
Warnings and traceability
Toys must carry the applicable warnings, such as the age warning for toys not suitable for children under 36 months, in the language of the country of sale, together with the manufacturer and EU operator details and a type, batch or serial number.
Upcoming changes
The EU has adopted a new Toy Safety Regulation that will replace the directive after a transition period, with stricter chemical rules and a digital product passport. We follow the timeline and inform our clients.