Rubik's Cube Toy EU EN71-1-3 Testing Process and Compliance Standards
Date：2025-09-15 10:02:58 Classification
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EN71 is the EU standard for toys. The European Union's EN71 toy certification directive aims to establish technical specifications for toys entering the European market, thereby reducing or preventing harmful effects on children. A detailed description of the EN71-1, EN71-2, and EN71-3 testing procedures and compliance standards required for Rubik's Cube toys exported to the EU is compiled from EU regulations and laboratory operation guidelines:
I. Core Testing Standards
As a toy for children under 14 years old, the Rubik's Cube must pass the following mandatory EN71 tests:
1. EN71-1: Physical and Mechanical Properties
- Small Parts Test: Prevent parts from falling out and causing choking (applicable to toys for children under 3 years old).
- Torque and Tensile Test: The Rubik's Cube must withstand a tensile force of (50 ± 2) N and a torque of (0.34 ± 0.02) N·m without falling off.
- Sharp Edge/Point Test: The edge radius of rotating parts must be ≥ 0.5 mm, with no puncture risk.
- Impact and drop test: No breakage after 5 drops from a height of 85 cm.
2. EN71-2: Flammability Requirements
- Cube material burning speed ≤ 30 mm/s (textile materials) or ≤ 250 mm/s (other materials).
- Flammable materials (such as celluloid) are prohibited.
3. EN71-3: Migration Limits of Hazardous Chemical Substances
| Element | Limit (mg/kg)
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 13.5
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 3.4
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 7.5
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 60
| Newly added Cobalt (Co) | ≤ 12.5 (2024 version)
II. Testing Process and Documentation Requirements
1. Sample Grouping and Preparation
- Test by material/color (e.g., colored plastic blocks, stickers, and metal shafts must be submitted separately).
- Provide complete samples (including packaging) and a list of materials (e.g., ABS plastic, ink ingredients).
2. CPSC-approved laboratory testing
- The testing organization must be ISO 17025 accredited (e.g., Dezewei Testing).
- Turnaround time: 5-7 working days, expedited processing can be reduced to 3 days.
3. Generate technical documentation
- Test report: Includes all EN71-1/2/3 data and the laboratory's stamp.
- CE Marking Declaration: The manufacturer drafts a document declaring compliance with the EU Toys Directive 2009/48/EC.
- Technical documentation: Must include design drawings, risk assessment report, and production process control records.
4. Labeling and Packaging Specifications
- Packaging printing: CE mark, intended age (e.g., "6+"), warning (small parts risk), and manufacturer's address.
- Six-sided images must clearly display the information; labeling is not valid.
III. Common Reasons for Compliance Failure
1. Chemical Contamination: Excessive cadmium/lead migration (common in low-priced pigments).
2. Physical Defects:
- Cube blocks fell off during torsion testing (insufficient snap-on strength).
- Unrounded corners create a risk of sharp edges.
3. Documentation Issues:
- CE declarations do not include the importer's EU address.
- Failure to group testing by material results in invalid reports.
IV. Optimization Suggestions
- Material Pre-Inspection: Prioritize food-grade ABS plastic and lead-free inks, and retain the supplier's MSDS.
- Batch Management: Material changes (e.g., lubricant type) require retesting according to EN71-3.
- Cost Reference:
- The basic three-item test fee is approximately 1,000-2,000 RMB (30% increase for complex structures or expedited testing).
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