Revised European Toy Standard EN 71-2: 2020 Published

On December 9, 2020, the updated European flammability standard, EN 71-2:2020, was published. The standard supersedes the previous EN 71-2:2011 +A1: 2014.

EN 71-2 deals with toy flammability requirements. It applies to ALL TOYS and sets, in addition, specific requirements to the following toys:

• Toys to be worn on the head: beards, moustaches, wigs, etc. made from pile or flowing elements; masks; hoods and headdresses, etc. However, paper and paperboard hats without embellishments or attachments are excluded
• Toy disguise costumes and toys intended to be worn by a child in play
• Toys intended to be entered by a child and constructed from textiles and/or polymer sheets and films
• Soft-filled toys

The standard was revised because of an unfortunate accident in the UK with a fancy Halloween dress.

The major changes are listed below:

• New definition of disguise costume 
• Disguise costumes have now to be tested before and after washing, even if the instructions state not to wash
• The sample preparation method has been changed, now allowing smaller and narrower pieces to be tested and clarifying that seams and fillings should be included in the testing
• Test methods have been better detailed
• The guidance on how to classify toys has been transferred from TR 15371-1. The guidance clarifies which requirements in EN 71-2 related to clauses 4.1 to 4.2.5 apply to certain toys

The standard should be soon available for sale with CEN - Members.

The standard still needs to be harmonized. This means that it needs to be accepted by the EU Commission and Member States by publication in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU). Only then it can be used to show compliance to the EU Toy Directive 2009/48/EC.

SGS can help you to sell and distribute your toys internationally. As a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, we have the regulatory knowledge and industry expertise to assess your products and ensure they meet the relevant requirements for sale and distribution in different global markets. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website.

For enquiries, please contact:

Sanda Stefanovic
Toys Expert
t: +31882144617

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