We have expanded our EN 71-8:2026 toy testing capabilities in the UK, allowing manufacturers of activity toys and recreational products to benefit from faster, more convenient testing services.
Our enhanced EN 71-8:2026 testing service has been available at our accredited UK toy testing laboratory since May 2027. This new service enables manufacturers to test larger activity toys domestically, without having to ship them overseas, so they can benefit from:
- Faster turnaround times
- Reduced shipping and logistics costs
- Simplified project management
- Improved communication with UK-based technical experts
- Reduced risk of delays associated with overseas transportation
For manufacturers working to tight development schedules, local testing can help accelerate time to market while maintaining confidence in product safety and compliance.
What is EN 71?
EN 71 is the European series of safety standards for toys. It ensures that products intended for children meet stringent safety requirements before being placed on the market.
It covers a wide range of potential hazards, including:
- Mechanical and physical safety
- Flammability
- Chemical safety
- Activity toys for domestic use
- Electrical safety
- Migration of hazardous elements
- Organic chemical compounds
- Finger paints
- Experimental toy sets
- Trampolines and other recreational products
Compliance with the relevant parts of EN 71 helps manufacturers demonstrate that their products satisfy the essential safety requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive and UK Toys (Safety) Regulations.
What is EN 71-8:2026?
EN 71-8:2026 specifically addresses activity toys for domestic use and covers products designed to encourage physical activity such as:
- Climbing frames
- Swings
- Slides
- Playhouses
- Activity towers
- Indoor climbing equipment
- Similar recreational play equipment
The standard specifies safety requirements and test methods designed to minimize the risk of injury during normal and foreseeable use.
Remote testing at your premises
Recognizing that some activity toys are difficult to transport, we also offer remote witness testing at customer premises where appropriate.
This can be particularly beneficial for:
- Large outdoor play equipment
- Fixed installations
- Prototype products
- Products that are expensive or impractical to transport
Supporting toy manufacturers through compliance
Bringing a toy to market requires careful consideration of evolving safety legislation and testing requirements. We work with manufacturers, importers, retailers and brand owners throughout the product lifecycle, providing independent testing and technical expertise to help demonstrate compliance with UK and European safety standards.
Alongside EN 71-8 testing, our accredited UK laboratory also provides:
- EN 71-1 – Mechanical and physical properties testing
- EN 71-2 – Flammability testing
- EN 71-3 – Migration of certain elements testing
- Chemical testing
- Restricted substances testing
- Risk assessments
- Technical documentation support
- Product compliance advice
Consolidating testing requirements into a single project allows you to reduce administrative complexity and minimize delays during product development.
Whether you are developing a new activity toy or updating an existing product range, early engagement with testing specialists can help you save time and costs by identifying potential issues before production begins. With dedicated testing facilities, additional laboratory space and specialist resources, we are strengthening our support for toy manufacturers looking to bring safe, compliant products to market more efficiently
Download our EU toy standard status brochure >
Or find out more about the EU Toy Safety Directive and EU Toy Safety Regulation >
For further information, to discuss your testing requirements or to request a quotation, please contact:
Rob Hinchcliffe
Hardlines Manager
Connectivity & Products
United Kingdom
t: +44 (0)151 350 6666
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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