We previously covered the basic concepts of toy certification. This article goes deeper, breaking down the EN71 series part by part and comparing it directly with the US's ASTM F963.
The EN71 Series Isn't One Standard — It's a Group of Standards
Many clients assume "EN71 certification" is a single test, but EN71 is actually a group of harmonized standards split by risk dimension. The common core parts include:
- EN71-1 (Mechanical and physical properties): tests for small-parts choking risk, sharp edges, and structural strength — the most basic and core test part for toys
- EN71-2 (Flammability): tests the burning behavior of toy materials, preventing the toy itself from becoming a fire hazard
- EN71-3 (Migration of certain elements): tests the migration of heavy metals and specific elements like lead, cadmium, and mercury — the core chemical safety test
- EN71-4 through EN71-14: dedicated sub-parts for specific categories (chemistry experiment sets, olfactory games, trampolines, etc.) — not applicable to all toys, determined by product type
A complete EU toy compliance assessment typically needs to cover at least EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3 as the three core parts. If the product is battery-powered (like a sound-and-light toy), EN62115 (safety of electric toys) needs to be added as well.
The US's ASTM F963: Key Differences From EN71
ASTM F963 is the core US toy safety standard, covering the same broad dimensions as EN71 — mechanical/physical properties, flammability, and chemical migration — but the specific test methods and limits aren't identical, so you can't simply assume "tested for the EU means covered for the US":
- Small parts test cylinder specifications: the EU and US have detail differences in the dimensional criteria for determining "small parts"
- Heavy metal limits: allowable migration limits for certain elements aren't fully identical, and the US has continued tightening some limits in recent years
- Labeling requirements: the US's specific wording requirements for age grading labels and warning statements differ from the EU's
China's GB 6675: A Third System
If the product also needs to sell within China, GB 6675 comes into play — a national standard entirely independent from EN71 and ASTM F963. It similarly assesses mechanical/physical, flammability, and migration dimensions, but with its own set of specific limits and test methods. In principle, all three markets need separate submissions.
Cost & Timeline Reference (For Budget Planning Only, Not a Quote)
Testing costs for toy products mainly depend on how many EN71 sub-parts need to be covered and the product's structural complexity:
- The basic three (EN71-1/2/3): typical timeline is around 2-3 weeks, depending on product structural complexity and lab scheduling
- If the product is battery-powered, EN62115 and battery testing need to be added, extending the overall timeline correspondingly
- Multi-market filing (EU + US + China) at once: it's worth submitting samples in the same batch to save on sample prep and logistics costs, though the actual test items still need to separately cover each market's standard — they can't substitute for each other
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the test items the same for plush toys and plastic toys? A: The core framework is similar (mechanical/physical + flammability + chemical migration), but specific test details differ by material — plush toys, for example, get more scrutiny on stuffing and seam strength. It's worth confirming the applicable sub-parts based on the specific material.
Q: EN71-3 was already done, but the product switched to a different supplier's raw material — does it need retesting? A: Yes, reassessment is needed — chemical migration is particularly sensitive to material sourcing, and a supplier change can result in different material composition, so it's worth resubmitting for testing to confirm.
If you're exporting toy products to multiple markets, send us the product type (material, battery-powered or not, target markets), and we can help put together a complete testing checklist and cost/timeline estimate.