Safety: The NF EN 71-3 standard specifies requirements regarding the migration of chemical substances in toys

As the holidays approach, one might assume that nearly all the toys purchased by consumers are safe. It is true that the vast majority of them meet safety standards. But every year, new toys are introduced—in large numbers and with complex designs—and they are often becoming increasingly sophisticated in both their construction and functionality.

Before placing their products on the market, manufacturers are required to conduct rigorous risk assessments of their products, covering both so-called general risks (health hazards or risk of injury) and so-called specific risks (including physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and flammability risks). The new European standard NF EN 71-3 falls into the latter category. This standard is designed to address the requirements set forth by the regulations (European Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys).

It specifies the requirements and test methods applicable to the migration of 19 chemical components that may be present in materials used in the manufacture of toys: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium (2 forms), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organotin compounds, and zinc.

These substances, which are found in certain toys, can be hazardous if sucked on, licked, swallowed, or if there is prolonged skin contact. They are used in many toy materials, including polymers, paint, lacquer, varnish, foam, textiles, paper, cardboard, and inks…

More specifically, this applies to all toys intended for or likely to come into contact with the mouth, toy cosmetics, and toy writing instruments, as well as toys intended for children up to 6 years of age where there is a likelihood that their components could come into contact with the mouth.

Toy manufacturers now have access to a reliable and essential analysis report to verify that the chemical substances used in their toys are safe. Packaging materials are not considered part of the toy, unless they have a play value.

The NF EN 71-3 standard, published in July 2013, was developed by the CEN/TC 52 Technical Committee on "Toy Safety." The 33 members of the European Committee for Standardization represent 33 European countries.