Why it is important to buy children’s toys with CE safety marks

All UK toy suppliers are regulated by the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which means that any toy sold must carry the CE safety mark. This safety mark is your guarantee that the item you are purchasing is safe and complies with the established requirements for the sale of toys in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

If the products you like don’t have the CE mark, it’s a good idea to look around for similar ones that do. The last thing you want to do is buy a toy from an unscrupulous seller that could be potentially dangerous and harmful to your children. Unfortunately, the market is saturated with these types of types and many of them can be found on well-known auction sites, and most of the time they are sold directly from China. Don’t trust them! Buy from reputable UK sellers who can guarantee their products have been tested and comply with regulations.

About toy safety and EN71

There are many standards that apply to toy safety, and any electric toy must also meet electrical safety standards. The EN71 toy standards have been applied across the EU since 1990.

These standards cover toys for children up to 14 years of age and will provide guidance on the appropriate age ranges for toys and any essential warnings for toys that are not suitable for children under three years of age. Some aspects of this legislation include toxicity, flammability and safety markings.

Toy manufacturers that do not meet these essential criteria could be guilty of criminal offenses and could face fines or prison sentences, while the toys will be withdrawn from sale throughout the EU.

Some toys are excluded from this legislation and these include:

– Christmas decorations

– Children’s jewelry

– Toys and sports equipment

However, even excluded toys must comply with all the requirements of UK consumer safety laws, such as the Consumer Protection Act. Some of these essential testing requirements include:

– Flammability

– Electrical properties and components

– Any chemical property

– Compliance with hygiene

What to do if you think a toy is unsafe

If you have purchased a children’s toy that you believe violates toy safety laws or has caused injury to your child, you can contact the Trade Standards office to report your concerns. They will test the toy and can arrange for it to be immediately withdrawn from sale, if necessary.