European Toy Safety Information
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| At euroToyShop.com, we take toy safety seriously and fortunately, so does the European Union. |
European Toy Safety Standard
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 European toys are tested
to the EN71 safety standard (off-site link) which has been in effect since 1990
in the European Union (EU). This EU directive sets a high level of protection
for consumers. For instance, the amount of lead allowed in surface
paint in the EU is 90 ppm, below the limit allowed in the USA by the Cunsumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC).
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European Safety Marks
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 Toys tested to this
standard carry the
CE safety mark (off-site link) seen here to the right. The CE mark must be present
on all toys sold within the European Union. A second safety mark is required
when there are small parts or other characteristics that make a toy unsuitable
for children less than three years old - also seen here to the right.
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Phthalates
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Phthalates are chemical substances which are used as softeners in
plastic materials. Concerns over the potential for adverse effects to the
health of children exposed to phthalates led to the European Commission
Decision 1999/815/EEC that temporarily banned the use of six phthalates in toys
and childcare articles. Since then, the temporary ban has been prolonged by the
Commission on a regular basis. Toys which carry the CE mark are phthalate free.
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Guidlines for Choosing Safe Toys
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The Right Toy for Your Age:
Always pay attention to the age range listed for toys. Never choose a toy
marked as 3+ for a younger child.
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Shape and Sound is Important:
Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, those with protruding parts and toys
that produce loud noises.
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Buy Durable: Broken toys are commonly a source of injury. Purchase toys
made of durable material, like wood, that do not easily break.
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