How to apply for EU EN71 certification testing for mechanical models
Date：2025-09-22 10:02:53 Classification
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EN71 is the EU standard for toys. The European Union's EN71 toy certification directive aims to establish technical regulations for toys entering the European market, thereby reducing or preventing harmful effects on children. The EU EN71 certification testing process and key points for mechanical models are as follows:
I. Confirmation of Certification Applicability
1. Certification Requirements for Mechanical Models
- Mechanical models designed for children under 14 years of age (such as construction models and electric mechanical toys) must be EN71 certified.
- If they contain electronic components (such as motors and lights), additional circuit safety and electromagnetic compatibility testing is required.
II. Core Testing Items
According to the EN71 standard, mechanical models must focus on the following three categories of testing:
| Test Category | Specific Items and Requirements
| Physical and Mechanical Properties (EN71-1) | Sharp edge testing, small parts swallowing risk (e.g., screws/gears), tension/torque testing (to ensure components are not easily dislodged), and drop testing (height ≥ 85 cm)
| Flame Retardancy (EN71-2) | Plastic casing burning speed ≤ 30 mm/s; flammable coatings are prohibited on textile materials
| Chemical Safety (EN71-3) | Eight heavy metal migration tests (lead ≤ 13.5 mg/kg, cadmium ≤ 17 mg/kg, etc.), with a focus on paint, electroplating, and plastic components
> Note: If battery-powered, additional battery safety testing (leakage prevention and overheating prevention) is required.
III. Application Process (5 Steps)
1. Select a Certification Body
Look for laboratories authorized by the EU Notice Number (such as Dezewei Testing), preferably those with full EN71 testing capabilities.
2. Prepare Materials and Samples
- Required Documents:
- Product Bill of Materials (indicate component materials)
- Circuit Diagram (if electronic functions are included)
- User Manual (including age warning labels)
- Sample Requirements:
- 2-3 complete models (including packaging)
- Separately split materials (e.g., 10g for a metal component, 20g for a plastic component)
3. Laboratory Testing
- Conducted in stages:
① Physical Structural Safety Assessment (simulating child operation)
② Chemical Dissolution Test (using acidic sweat to simulate oral contact)
③ High-Voltage/Short-Circuit Test for Electronic Components (if applicable)
4. Correction and Retesting (if necessary)
- Common Issues: Small parts easily fall off, excessive heavy metal content (especially in color coatings), requiring adjustments to materials or processes and resubmission of samples.
5. Obtaining Certificates and Labels
- Upon passing the test, an EN71 test report will be issued, and CE certification (with CE marking) will be applied for simultaneously.
IV. Cost and Cycle Optimization Recommendations
| Project | Typical Situation
| Cycle | 5-7 Business Days
| Cost | Starting from ¥800 for a single material, ¥1000-2500 for a complete device
| Certificate Validity Period | Valid for a long time (material remains unchanged)
V. Key Considerations
1. Age Group Differences
- Models under 3 years old: Prohibit detachable parts ≤3cm to avoid swallowing risks.
2. New Regulation Alert
- Starting in 2024, new cobalt migration restrictions (limit 1.9mg/kg) will be added, requiring an update to the material formula.
3. E-commerce Compliance Requirements
- Amazon EU site requires the following:
- EN71 report + CE certificate + Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
VI. Recommended Procedures
1. Separate the model materials (metal/plastic/electronic components) and compile a bill of materials (BOM);
2. Contact a laboratory with a public certification number (e.g., Dezewei CPC number: 1552) for a quote;
3. Attach technical documentation (focusing on coating composition) when sending samples;
4. Simultaneously prepare a CE certification template;
5. Affix the CE mark and age warning to the product packaging upon approval.
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