EN 12221:2026 Revises European Requirements for Changing Units and Pads

SG 057/26

CEN has published a revision of EN12221 applicable to changing units and changing pads intended for domestic use.

The EN 12221 standard relating to changing units has been revised. The latest version has now been made available by CEN and is dated March 2026.

Which products are covered by EN 12221?

The scope of the standard includes changing units, changing pads and changing unit accessories intended to be used in conjunction with other items, such as cots or dressers.

What are the changes introduced by the revision?

The most notable development is the extension of the standards’ scope to include changing pads, regardless of whether they are supplied with the changing unit or provided separately.

Compared with the previous edition of the standard, the main technical changes are as follows:

• Parts 1 and 2 of the standard have been merged into a single document and reorganised using a hazard-based approach, improving overall readability and comprehension
• Terms and definitions, as well as requirements related to chemical, thermal and mechanical hazards, have been revised to reflect the current understanding
• New durability and strength requirements have been introduced, including accessibility to filling materials (seam and weld strength) and the durability of the changing unit
• Product information has been enhanced and new symbols added to provide users with clearer and safer guidance

Why are changing pads now included?

Until now, changing pads not provided with a changing unit were not addressed by any dedicated standard in this context. This created a regulatory gap: certain pads, particularly those with raised sides, may give a perception of safety (cocoon effect), while their actual performance in use – especially when placed on an elevated changing surface – may expose additional risks if stability or retention is insufficient. 

The revision of EN 12221 brings clarity to this situation by defining the scope more precisely: some changing pads are now explicitly covered by the standard and are therefore subject to new requirements and test methods.

Which changing pads are concerned?

The revision targets changing pads with raised sides or edges, i.e. those that visually delimit a space and may suggest that the child is more securely retained. Thin flat pads without raised sides remain outside the scope of the standard. The intent is to focus on products where the perception of safety created by raised sides could mask insufficient real‑world performance. 

How is compliance assessed?

The revision aims to objectify safety through reproducible tests, dimensional criteria and measurable results.

The proposed changes include:

• Dimensional requirements depending on pad design and side configuration;associated with product information to ensure adequation of the changing pad with the changing unit for which it is suitable
• Key mechanical/functional test designed to simulate a slipping scenario and assess retention capacity

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