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Does CE certification for toys test BPA and phthalates?
CE
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Founder of Euverify | EU & UKCA Compliance Expert
Ajay is an eCommerce expert with 17+ years of experience as an Amazon, eBay, and Etsy seller and a Shopify specialist. He excels in EU and UK compliance, including GPSR and UKCA, helping businesses expand into European and UK markets. Ajay is the founder of Sweans, a London-based eCommerce agency, and Euverify.com, a SaaS platform streamlining compliance for non-EU sellers.
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CE
What is CE Certification for toys?
CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union. The Directive and safety of toys set out specific requirements for CE marking of toys. CE certification indicates that a toy meets the essential safety requirements in the Directive and safety of toys. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU.
The CE mark is a symbol that shows a product has been assessed and meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in European law. It is mandatory on all products placed on the market within the 28 member states of the EU.
Three main areas must be met for a toy to receive CE certification:
Mechanical and physical properties
Flammability
Chemical CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union.
CE certification ensures that toys meet the highest safety standards and helps to protect children from potentially dangerous products. The Directive and safety of toys state that all CE-certified toys must be safe for children to use. There are several tests that toys must pass to receive CE certification, including a toxicology test to ensure that the toy does not have harmful chemicals. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU. CE certification is also often required for toys exported to other countries.
Is third-party testing and certification for the toy safety standard required?
CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union. The Directive and safety of toys set out specific requirements for CE marking of toys. CE certification indicates that a toy meets the essential safety requirements in the Directive and safety of toys. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU.
The CE mark is a symbol that shows a product has been assessed and meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in European law. It is mandatory on all products placed on the market within the 28 member states of the EU.
What is BPA ?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been utilized in the production of specific polymers and resins since the 1950s. BPA is found in the highest amounts on plastics used as raw material, such as polycarbonate. These products have been put into items like children’s “sippy” cups and water bottles which can lead to some health problems if not dealt with properly. In 2009, Representative Jan Schakowsky introduced the BPA Free Kids Act (D-IL). This act addresses concerns about this chemical compound being present during food preparation for young children under three years old.
Toy Safety Directive for BPA Limits
The European Commission (EC) Directive 2014/81/EU specifies a 0.1 mg/l (migration limit) for bisphenol A (BPA) in any toys intended for children under the age of three, as well as any toys meant to be put in the mouth, regardless of age.
The restriction was taken from EN 71-9:2005+A1:2007, a European standard that defines limitations for the movement or content of certain hazardous organic chemical compounds from and in toys. According to the Directive, the European toy sector’s voluntary implementation of this standard has “contributed to keeping children’s BPA exposure from toys low in contrast to other non-food contributors such as cosmetics or dust, and significantly lower than BPA exposure; from the diet.”
However, “such norms do not represent harmonized standards,” according to the Directive’s wording, and without regulatory action, infants might be exposed to more BPA, which is classed as a Category 2 reproductive toxicant in the EU. Beginning December 21, 2015, the 0.1 mg/l BPA migration limit in toys will be enforced. Due to its designation as a toxin to reproduction category 2, BPA will continue to be limited in all toys sold in EU markets, and the existing maximum of 5% was cut to 3% on June 1, 2015. The measures provided for in this Directive are by the opinion of the Toy Safety Committee.
Side Effects of BPA
BPA has several adverse effects on your health. The toxin has been associated with difficulties with reproduction, immunity, and brain function and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, pediatric asthma, metabolic illness, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The fact that BPA is soluble is the primary source of worry. This means that the link it has made with the plastic might be dissolved when it comes into touch with liquids or when heated, allowing BPA to leak into the contents of your meal or beverage.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a kind of chemical found in a variety of polymers. They’re commonly employed to soften plastics, found in many children’s toys. The European Union has banned some phthalates in children’s products. The United States has not followed the lawsuit, but some companies have voluntarily stopped using phthalates in their products.
Phthalates Banned in 2009
The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2009 banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys and products marketed towards babies under three years old. However, this ban was temporary as it only applied when a child could put their mouth onto the item itself – not if they were playing with something like an older brother or sister who might need these items. The three remaining listed chemicals have now been placed “under review” by CSB (Children’s Furthermore Scientific Board).
DINP: diisononyl phthalate
DIDP: diisodecyl phthalate
DnOP: di-n-octyl phthalate
Phthalates Banned in 2018
The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) has finally ruled that the additional five phthalates cannot be included in products marketed for use by children and has mandated product testing to ensure compliance, following a lawsuit filed by several organizations, including Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. The new law forbids the sale of children’s toys and child care products that include more than 0.1 percent of the following substances:
diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP)
di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP)
dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
The regulation defines a children’s toy as “a consumer product created or intended by the maker for use by a kid 12 years of age or younger while the youngster plays.” “A consumer product created or intended by the producer to facilitate sleep or feeding of children aged three and younger or assist such youngsters with sucking or teething” defines a child care object.
Toys made in china Are Not Phthalate Free.
According to an Asian Inspection research, 25% of toys created in China are still phthalate-free. Today, Asian Inspection published the findings of a random inspection of 35 toys on their website. These toys were intended for sale in Europe and the United States.
Phthalates are being phased out of toys in the United States (CPSIA), Canada, and the European Union in response to consumer health concerns (REACH). The toxicological qualities of phthalates provide a risk of cancer and can lead to adult infertility at high levels of exposure.
Contamination with phthalates is quite common. In one example, in a toy first aid kit, phthalates were discovered to be more than 130 times the allowed level under REACH standards.
Does CE certification for toys test BPA and phthalates?
CE certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates that a product meets specific safety and quality standards. CE marking on a product symbolizes that the manufactory has assessed the product and determined it meets these standards. Toys sold in the European Union must carry CE marking.
There are no specific CE requirements for testing toys for BPA and phthalates, but these chemicals may be restricted under other CE directives. For example, the REACH regulation prohibits the use of certain.
Hazardous chemicals in products, including toys. Manufacturers of toys sold in the EU must ensure that their products do not contain any restricted chemicals.
Six steps to CE certification of toys
Classification of products:
Check to see if the product complies with the Toy Safety Directive and other CE regulations.
Risk assessment
Check to see if the product complies with the Toy Safety Directive and other CE regulations.
Conformity assessment procedure
Conduct product testing in compliance with European harmonization standards such as EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-3 and keep track of safety warnings and symbols.
Technical Documentation
Compile or double-check the Technical Documentation, including descriptions, instruction manuals, and risk assessments.
EU Declaration of Conformity
Verify certifications and create an EU Declaration of Conformity certifying the toy’s conformity with CE product standards.
CE marking
Give instructions on how to apply the CE marking appropriately.
Conclusion
In summary, CE certification does not explicitly require testing toys for BPA and phthalates, but these chemicals may be restricted under other CE directives. Manufacturers of toys sold in the EU must ensure that their products do not contain any restricted chemicals.
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Founder of Euverify | EU & UKCA Compliance Expert
Ajay is an eCommerce expert with 17+ years of experience as an Amazon, eBay, and Etsy seller and a Shopify specialist. He excels in EU and UK compliance, including GPSR and UKCA, helping businesses expand into European and UK markets. Ajay is the founder of Sweans, a London-based eCommerce agency, and Euverify.com, a SaaS platform streamlining compliance for non-EU sellers.
- December 26, 2025Industry InsightsChildren’s Toy Compliance on Amazon: AHD, EN 71 & Third-Party Testing Explained
- December 12, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesDo Mobile Apps Fall Under the GPSR? What Digital Brands Must Know
- December 3, 2025Compliance News & UpdatesEuverify and Taxually Announce Strategic Partnership to Streamline EU & UK Compliance for Global Sellers
- November 26, 2025Industry InsightsEUDR for Books: What Publishers Must Know
What is CE Certification for toys?
CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union. The Directive and safety of toys set out specific requirements for CE marking of toys. CE certification indicates that a toy meets the essential safety requirements in the Directive and safety of toys. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU.
The CE mark is a symbol that shows a product has been assessed and meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in European law. It is mandatory on all products placed on the market within the 28 member states of the EU.
Three main areas must be met for a toy to receive CE certification:
- Mechanical and physical properties
- Flammability
- Chemical CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union.
CE certification ensures that toys meet the highest safety standards and helps to protect children from potentially dangerous products. The Directive and safety of toys state that all CE-certified toys must be safe for children to use. There are several tests that toys must pass to receive CE certification, including a toxicology test to ensure that the toy does not have harmful chemicals. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU. CE certification is also often required for toys exported to other countries.
Is third-party testing and certification for the toy safety standard required?
CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union. The Directive and safety of toys set out specific requirements for CE marking of toys. CE certification indicates that a toy meets the essential safety requirements in the Directive and safety of toys. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU.
The CE mark is a symbol that shows a product has been assessed and meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in European law. It is mandatory on all products placed on the market within the 28 member states of the EU.
What is BPA ?
CE certification for toys is a requirement in the European Union. The Directive and safety of toys set out specific requirements for CE marking of toys. CE certification indicates that a toy meets the essential safety requirements in the Directive and safety of toys. Toys that do not have CE certification may not be sold in the EU.
The CE mark is a symbol that shows a product has been assessed and meets the essential health and safety requirements set out in European law. It is mandatory on all products placed on the market within the 28 member states of the EU.
Toy Safety Directive for BPA Limits
The European Commission (EC) Directive 2014/81/EU specifies a 0.1 mg/l (migration limit) for bisphenol A (BPA) in any toys intended for children under the age of three, as well as any toys meant to be put in the mouth, regardless of age.
The restriction was taken from EN 71-9:2005+A1:2007, a European standard that defines limitations for the movement or content of certain hazardous organic chemical compounds from and in toys. According to the Directive, the European toy sector’s voluntary implementation of this standard has “contributed to keeping children’s BPA exposure from toys low in contrast to other non-food contributors such as cosmetics or dust, and significantly lower than BPA exposure; from the diet.”
However, “such norms do not represent harmonized standards,” according to the Directive’s wording, and without regulatory action, infants might be exposed to more BPA, which is classed as a Category 2 reproductive toxicant in the EU. Beginning December 21, 2015, the 0.1 mg/l BPA migration limit in toys will be enforced. Due to its designation as a toxin to reproduction category 2, BPA will continue to be limited in all toys sold in EU markets, and the existing maximum of 5% was cut to 3% on June 1, 2015. The measures provided for in this Directive are by the opinion of the Toy Safety Committee.
Side Effects of BPA
BPA has several adverse effects on your health. The toxin has been associated with difficulties with reproduction, immunity, and brain function and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, pediatric asthma, metabolic illness, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The fact that BPA is soluble is the primary source of worry. This means that the link it has made with the plastic might be dissolved when it comes into touch with liquids or when heated, allowing BPA to leak into the contents of your meal or beverage.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a kind of chemical found in a variety of polymers. They’re commonly employed to soften plastics, found in many children’s toys. The European Union has banned some phthalates in children’s products. The United States has not followed the lawsuit, but some companies have voluntarily stopped using phthalates in their products.
Phthalates Banned in 2009
The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2009 banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys and products marketed towards babies under three years old. However, this ban was temporary as it only applied when a child could put their mouth onto the item itself – not if they were playing with something like an older brother or sister who might need these items. The three remaining listed chemicals have now been placed “under review” by CSB (Children’s Furthermore Scientific Board).
- DINP: diisononyl phthalate
- DIDP: diisodecyl phthalate
- DnOP: di-n-octyl phthalate
Phthalates Banned in 2018
The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) has finally ruled that the additional five phthalates cannot be included in products marketed for use by children and has mandated product testing to ensure compliance, following a lawsuit filed by several organizations, including Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. The new law forbids the sale of children’s toys and child care products that include more than 0.1 percent of the following substances:
- diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
- diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP)
- di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP)
- dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
The regulation defines a children’s toy as “a consumer product created or intended by the maker for use by a kid 12 years of age or younger while the youngster plays.” “A consumer product created or intended by the producer to facilitate sleep or feeding of children aged three and younger or assist such youngsters with sucking or teething” defines a child care object.
Toys made in china Are Not Phthalate Free.
According to an Asian Inspection research, 25% of toys created in China are still phthalate-free. Today, Asian Inspection published the findings of a random inspection of 35 toys on their website. These toys were intended for sale in Europe and the United States.
Phthalates are being phased out of toys in the United States (CPSIA), Canada, and the European Union in response to consumer health concerns (REACH). The toxicological qualities of phthalates provide a risk of cancer and can lead to adult infertility at high levels of exposure.
Contamination with phthalates is quite common. In one example, in a toy first aid kit, phthalates were discovered to be more than 130 times the allowed level under REACH standards.
Does CE certification for toys test BPA and phthalates?
CE certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates that a product meets specific safety and quality standards. CE marking on a product symbolizes that the manufactory has assessed the product and determined it meets these standards. Toys sold in the European Union must carry CE marking.
There are no specific CE requirements for testing toys for BPA and phthalates, but these chemicals may be restricted under other CE directives. For example, the REACH regulation prohibits the use of certain.
Hazardous chemicals in products, including toys. Manufacturers of toys sold in the EU must ensure that their products do not contain any restricted chemicals.
Six steps to CE certification of toys
- Classification of products:
Check to see if the product complies with the Toy Safety Directive and other CE regulations.
- Risk assessment
Check to see if the product complies with the Toy Safety Directive and other CE regulations.
- Conformity assessment procedure
Conduct product testing in compliance with European harmonization standards such as EN 71-1, EN 71-2, and EN 71-3 and keep track of safety warnings and symbols.
- Technical Documentation
Compile or double-check the Technical Documentation, including descriptions, instruction manuals, and risk assessments.
- EU Declaration of Conformity
Verify certifications and create an EU Declaration of Conformity certifying the toy’s conformity with CE product standards.
- CE marking
Give instructions on how to apply the CE marking appropriately.
Conclusion
In summary, CE certification does not explicitly require testing toys for BPA and phthalates, but these chemicals may be restricted under other CE directives. Manufacturers of toys sold in the EU must ensure that their products do not contain any restricted chemicals.
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