What Certifications Are Required for Toys Exported to Europe?

Over 70% of toys sold in the global market are made in China, with the proportion exceeding 80% in the European and American markets. Statistics show that the primary export destinations for Chinese children's toys include North America, Europe, the Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and South America, accounting for approximately 88.38% of total toy export trade. Among these, North America and the EU are the largest markets for children's toy exports.

As export volumes grow, so does the variability in product quality. In the first half of 2024, 268 batches of toys exported from China to the EU were reported through RAPEX (the EU's Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products). The main issues were excessive levels of restricted chemicals, such as phthalates (46.8%), and the presence of hazardous small parts (35.35%). Therefore, toys must meet the certification standards of the target countries and comply with the required regulations.

Key Certifications for Toy Exports to Europe:

1. CE certification: CE Marking  

The CE Marking is the passport for products entering the EU market. The EU has established numerous safety directives to protect the lives and property of its member states' citizens. Products such as machinery, low-voltage electrical equipment, and electromagnetic compatibility items require the CE mark, and toys, such as fidget spinners, fall under this category.  

The CE marking is a mandatory certification in the EU market. Products manufactured within the EU or imported from outside must have the CE mark to be freely sold in the EU. This mark signifies compliance with the essential requirements of the EU’s New Approach Directives for Technical Harmonization and Standardization. It is a legal requirement for products to carry this mark.

2. EN71: Safety Standards for Toys in the EU Market  

EN71 sets the technical standards for toys entering the European market, aiming to reduce or eliminate potential harm to children.

3. REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals  

REACH is a regulatory framework concerning the safety of chemical substances in production, trade, and use. It mandates that all chemicals imported into or produced within Europe undergo comprehensive procedures for registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction to identify their components and ensure safety for human health and the environment.

4. EN62115: Electrical Toy Standards  

This standard applies specifically to the safety of electric toys.

5. GS Certification: German Safety Certification  

Required for toys exported to Germany, GS Certification is based on Germany’s Product Safety Act (GPGS) and tested according to EU standards (EN) or German Industrial Standards (DIN). Although voluntary, it is widely recognized as a symbol of safety in the European market.

These certifications are essential to ensure that toys meet safety, health, and environmental protection requirements, enabling smooth entry and sustained sales in the European market.