Toy certification requirements when entering different markets

When it comes to selling toys in different markets around the world, it is important to understand the various certifications required for your products to enter each region. In this article, we will focus on four major markets: the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.

European Union – CE Marking

According to the European Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, toys are those designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under the age of 14. CE Marking is a mandatory requirement to be placed on the market for toys and/or put into use within the European Union.

The CE mark demonstrates that the toy complies with all relevant European safety requirements for health and safety. One of the possible Conformity assessment procedures is EC-type examination and issuing EC-type certificates through a Notify Body.

Another mandatory requirement is that toy manufacturers must conduct a toy safety assessment and document it within the Toy Technical Documentation. The safety assessment must be kept by the manufacturer in the technical documentation for ten years after the toy has been placed on the market.

United Kingdom – UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA)

Since January 2021, the UK is no longer a part of the EU and as a consequence, the UK introduced a UK-specific conformity mark (the UKCA mark) for toys placed on the GB market (England, Scotland, and Wales). Nowadays, Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and Designated Standards define the toys mandatory requirements in the UK.

For toy manufacturers, the UKCA Marking is a certification that a toy meets the safety standards set out in the UK’s Toy Safety Regulations. UKCA marking must be used for all toys for the GB market that previously required the CE mark and those which require a mandatory third-party conformity assessment under the Toy (Safety) Regulations 2011 Great Britain.

The conformity assessment processes and standards are largely the same as they were for the CE Marking. However, the conformity assessment is now required to be carried out by a UK conformity assessment body (UK Approved Body).

The UK Government has extended the transitional period so businesses can use the UKCA mark and or CE mark on the GB market until 31 December 2024. UK manufacturers and imports are, however, encouraged to adopt the use of the UKCA mark as soon as is practicable. It is important to remind that the UKCA marking is not recognized in the EU market.

Toys placed on the market in Northern Ireland remain subject to the EU system of conformity and thus should carry the CE mark.

China – China Compulsory Certification (CCC)

China Compulsory Certification is a mandatory certification, applicable to toys manufactured locally and those imported into China.

The CCC serves as proof that the toy product meets the safety requirements mandated by the Chinese government, particularly the mandatory standards set out in GB 6675.1, GB 6675.2, GB 6675.3, and GB 6675.4. Furthermore, for electric toys, compliance with the additional standard GB 19865 is also necessary.

The CCC certification focuses on 5 specific toys: electric toys, plastic toys, metal toys, ride-on-vehicle toys designed or reserved for use by children under 14 years of age, exceptions included but are not limited to stationery with play function, consult a toy expert for more details.

The process of obtaining certification includes the implementation of a manufacturing quality management system, product testing, and a factory inspection. After the quality management system documents are reviewed and approved, the product is subjected to testing. If the toy product passes the test, the applicant will receive an e-copy of the CCC certificate in both Chinese and English version. It should be noted that a factory inspection must be conducted within six months after the CCC certificate is issued.

United States - FCC Marking

FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Marking is a voluntary mark employed on electronic products manufactured or sold in the United States. The FCC marking certifies that the toy complies with the FCC’s regulations on radio frequency emissions and electromagnetic interference.

How the Eurofins Toys & Hardlines network of laboratories can help

Under our network of laboratories, we are authorised to conduct such testing and issue certification to meet your needs. We are a Notified Body (2817) for CE marking, UK Approved Body (6952) for UKCA marking, and an approved laboratory to perform the toy testing services required by the China Compulsory Certification System (CCC).

Let us help you navigate the complex requirements of toy certification and ensure that your products meet the necessary standards for each market. Contact us anytime or visit our Toy Certification Services Portfolio page.