How to obtain EU EN71 certification for children's inflatable toys?
Date：2025-12-03 09:32:01 Classification
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Inflatable toys for children exported to the EU must pass EN71 certification. This is a crucial requirement for ensuring children's safety during play, with particular attention paid to the physical strength and the risk of chemical migration in inflatable products.
I. Core Testing Items for EN71 Certification of Inflatable Toys for Children
Inflatable toys (such as swimming rings, inflatable castles, inflatable dolls, etc.) require additional specific tests based on their intended use, in addition to the first three parts of the general EN71 certification:
1. Basic Mandatory Test Items (EN71-1/-2/-3)
- EN71-1 Physical and Mechanical Properties
Pressure Test: Inflate to maximum pressure and maintain for 48 hours without leakage, rupture, or part detachment.
Seam Strength: Tensile test ≥15N (to prevent bursting after inflation)
Small Part Inspection: Air valves and decorative parts must pass a 70N tensile test (to prevent children from biting and swallowing them)
Sharp Edges/Points: Air valve edges must be ground smooth, with a corner radius ≥2mm
- EN71-2 Flame Retardant Properties
For commonly used PVC, TPU, and other film materials in inflatable toys, the following must be met: Vertical burning speed <100mm/min. If plush decorations are included, it must pass EN71-2 clause. 5.2 (Horizontal Combustion Test)
- EN71-3 19 Heavy Metal Migration Items
Focus on heavy metals in plasticizers and dyes: Lead (Pb) < 0.05 mg/kg, Cadmium (Cd) < 0.01 mg/kg, Barium (Ba) < 1000 mg/kg (Common risk items in inflatable toy inks)
2. Inflatable Toy-Specific Tests
- Pressure Fatigue Test: 500 cycles of repeated inflation and deflation, no structural damage
- Low Temperature Performance: Maintain at -10℃ for 2 hours, no cracking (for outdoor use)
- Material Thickness Testing: Film thickness ≥ 0.15 mm (to prevent puncture and breakage)
II. Certification Process (Latest Version 2025)
Step Step 1: Document Preparation Checklist (All documents are required)
Technical Documents: Product structure diagram (indicating material, thickness, and seam type); Material certification (e.g., RoHS compliance declaration for PVC film); Production process description (including adhesive and ink types and MSDS report).
Sample Requirements: 3 complete finished products (with packaging and warning labels). If different colors/sizes are available, each model must be submitted separately.
Step 2: Select an Authoritative Testing Institution
The testing must be conducted by an EU Notified Body (e.g., Dezewei Testing CNAS registration number: L8083) or a CNAS-accredited laboratory. Special Note:
From 2025, the EU requires that inflatable toy testing include cross-validation with EN 14960 (Safety Standard for Recreational Inflatable Toys). Some smaller institutions do not have this qualification.
Step 3: Testing Cycle and Costs
| Test Item Combination | Cycle | Cost) | Key Testing Equipment
| Basic Three Tests (1-2-3) | 5-7 days | 800-1200 | Tensile Testing Machine, ICP-MS, Flammability Tester
| Includes Specialized Testing (+Pressure Resistance) | 7-10 days | 1500-2000 | Inflation Cycle Tester, Low Temperature Chamber
Cost-Saving Strategy: If products in the same series differ only in size (e.g., S/M/L size swimming rings), "family certification" can be applied for, saving 30% on testing costs.
Step 4: Certificate and CE Mark Usage
- Obtain an EN71 test report after passing the test (no unified certificate exists; the report serves as proof of compliance).
- The product must bear the CE mark and an age warning (e.g., "Children under 3 years old must be supervised by an adult").
- The packaging must indicate: maximum inflation pressure (e.g., "Max Pressure: 0.3 bar") and material composition (e.g., "PVC is phthalate-free").
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