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News Release from: Specialised Technology Resources | Subject: EN71 compliance
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 08 September 2005
New standard covers organic chemical
compounds
A new addition to the EN71 series of European Standards addresses hazards posed by certain organic chemical compounds found in toys.
A new addition to the EN71 series of European Standards has recently been published: EN71 - Part 9 This revision addresses hazards posed by certain organic chemical compounds found in toys
These compounds have not previously been covered in the EN71 series of standards.
The standard is the first of a series of three additions to EN71, which together will also define the procedures for sample preparation and extraction (Part 10), and define the methods of analysis (Part 11).
Parts 10 and 11 are expected to be released later in 2005.
As the three new parts are not being published simultaneously, interpretation and application of Part 9 is not entirely clear.
A reference must be published in the official journal of the European Union declaring the three standards to be "harmonised standards" before compliance to them is clearly accepted as a way to show that the essential safety requirements of the toy safety legislation have been met.
The standards will not be presented to the European Commission experts for approval for publication until all three parts have been published as standards.
These factors may impact the time it will take for standards to be harmonised and in effect.
In the interim, toy producers should become aware of the requirements and ensure that the materials they are using do not contain any of the prohibited substances.
If companies have reliable information regarding the materials used in their toys, this can reduce testing in the future, and ensure that their products will be able to meet the new requirements.
The EN71 - Part 9 standard is largely concerned with toys designed for use by children under three years of age, as these products are likely to come into contact with the child's mouth, however, it also addresses other toys that are likely to be placed in the mouth or on the skin.
Included as covered under EN71 Part 9 are: toys intended to be mouthed by children under 3 years of age; toys, or accessible toy components, with a mass of 150g or less intended to be handled by children under 3 years of age; mouthpiece components of mouth-actuated toys inflatable toys with a surface greater than 0.5m2 when fully inflated; toys worn over the mouth and/or nose; toys which the child can enter; components of graphic instruments sold as toys or used in toys; wooden toys and accessible components of toys for indoor and outdoor use; toys and components of toys which mimic food; solid toy materials intended to leave a trace; accessible liquids in toys; modelling clay and similar clay-like products, except those addressed by EN71- 5; balloon-making compounds; imitation tattoos with adhesive; and imitation jewellery.
Note that the chemicals included in EN71 - Part 9 are only those that have not already been addressed elsewhere in the legislation.
For example, phthalate plasticisers are not included in the Part 9 list, because their presence is already restricted in toys.
With the last addition to EN71, Part 8, only having been published in 2003 this demonstrates the rapidly increasing burden of compliance.
Again the need for specialist advice is highlighted so that toy manufacturers, distributors and retailers can ensure that their current and planned products keep pace with new and forthcoming legislation.
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