CE testing and why it's important!

Hello all,

I have not had chance to update my blog recently due to the mad Christmas orders, so apologies for that!

I have noticed recently there has been a lot of talk about CE testing in children's toys and thought I would take this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences on the test process.

What is CE testing? 

In order to CE mark any product which is deemed an item a child would potentially want to play with, it has to meet relevant strict industry safety standards. This is to enable the safety of any children who wish to play with soft toys so that you know, as a buyer, that the item complies with all standards expected. 

Due to making soft toys as part of my business I have to comply legally with all safety aspects and this is a subject which although is difficult to understand at first, is a must to continue to trade legally. I am shocked at how many people sell soft toys without the understanding of CE testing or realizing that it is a legal requirement.

There is a whole range of products requiring the same mark. 

A full list can be found here : www.gov.uk/ce-marking

There are 2 possible options to CE testing

1. Self Certifying (The option I use)

2. Laboratory test (which you will have to pay a fair bit for) 

 All soft toys need to pass a series of safety tests following BS EN71 parts 1,2 and 3. 

The following are links with further in depth information regarding the testing procedure and requirements. 

www.gov.uk/toy-manufacturers-and-their-responsibilities

www.conformance.co.uk/

www.btha.co.uk/toy-safety

Although there is an awful lot to read, it does eventually start to make sense...I promise! 

There is a Self Certification Pack for handmade toys available at the Conformance website. The pack is about £30 and makes things a lot easier with checklists and guidelines. 

So how do I test the toys?

Well, in short... you have to torture the poor toys! 

The testing involves clamps and hanging weights from the dolls, as well as testing the stuffing.

This checks any seams and small items to ensure there are no choking hazards and that the item is not going to fall apart.

Here are some pictures of my testing procedure (poor dirk Dragon!)

 

Then there is dropping from heights and dropping weights on to the items...

 

Then items have to be washed, dried and tested again as above. 

And finally once all of that torture is complete, you have to burn the item to ensure that there is no fire hazard, 

Paper work then needs to be filled out (the technical file) stating all the results from the tests. 

Lab test certificates need to be obtained for all of the components of the doll to ensure they all meet the BS EN71-3 part (chemical migration standards).

And finally you create a Declaration of Conformity. 

Helpful Links

www.facebook.com/cemarkingsupportnetwork

www.facebook.com/CESupportPage

www.facebook.com/groups/cesupportchatter

But it seems like such hard work and expense!

You have to comply with the CE testing by law! 

It may be hard work, but it is far better to be able to say to people with confidence, that your toys are suitable for young children.

So there you have it! A very brief run down of the CE testing procedures! 
If you would like to ask me anything about this subject, please feel free to contact me via email on 
Amy@Pixie-Crafts.co.uk


Happy New Year to you all! 
I shall be back soon with lots more cutie updates!  <3