EN 71-1 specifies requirements and methods of tests for mechanical and physical properties of toys. This standard applies to toys for children, toys being any product or material designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children of less than 14 years. It refers to new toys taking into account the period of foreseeable and normal use, and that the toys are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the behaviour of children. EN 71-1 also specifies requirements for packaging, marking and labelling.
It includes specific requirements for toys intended for children under 36 months, children under 18 months and for children who are too young to sit up unaided. For example, soft-filled toys with simple features intended for holding and cuddling are considered as intended for use by children under 36 months. Information relating to the age grading and age determination of toys can be found in CEN ISO/TR 8124-8 and the European Commission’s Guidance Documents on the Toy Safety Directive.
EN 71-1 does not apply to the following toys:
— automatic playing machines, whether coin operated or not, intended for public use,
— toy vehicles equipped with combustion engines;
— toy steam engines;
— toy slings and toy catapults, supplied without projectiles;
— remote control flying toys incorporating rotor blade(s) which are capable of spinning approximately horizontally, each blade being greater than 175 mm in length, measured from the centre of rotation to the blade tip, and with an overall mass of the flying toy greater than 50 g.
EN 71-1 does not cover musical instruments, sports equipment or similar items but does include their toy counterparts. EN 71-1 does not cover electrical safety aspects of toys which are covered by EN IEC 62115.
