NEWS

update:2026-03-10NO.: DOC260301-01

CEN published EN 71-1:2026 Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties

In January 2026, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) officially published the new toy safety standard EN 71-1:2026 "Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties". This new standard will supersede the current version EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 and become a national standard of CEN member countries no later than July 31, 2026. National standards that conflict with it will be invalidated on July 31, 2027.

The new version introduces several revisions and clarifications to requirements, aiming for more comprehensive child safety. The main changes are as follows:

Topic	Main Changes
Terms and definitions	Update and clarification of the definition of “close-to-the-ear toy”, “soft-filled toy”. Add new definition of the term “flash”, “latex balloon”, “reference box”, “resilient material” and “toy chest”.
Requirements of certain toys	Revised the requirements for expanding materials. Updated and clarified the requirement with respect to ventilation, particularly when multiple openings are used. Added a reference to a new test method for assessing groups of openings. Update and reformat of the requirements for toys intended to bear the mass of a child. Updated the note to clarify how leading edges on projectiles can be determined. Clarified that a yo-yo ball complies if the tether breaks during testing. Added a new requirement for food-imitating toys.
Toys intended for children under 36 months	Added an exemption from the small part requirements for sand in some circumstances and confirmed that inflatable toys are assessed inflated or deflated. Clarified that the test for paperboard components applies to components which are individually separate and distinct and that it does not apply to parts of paperboard torn or broken off of larger paperboard components.
Warnings, markings and instructions for use	Further clarified it is permissible to replace several uses of the word warning with a single use of the word warning. Clarified that where the Age-warning symbol is used it is to be preceded by the word “warning”. Toys intended to bear the mass of a child: Added a new option of using graphical symbols for indicating that protective equipment shall be worn. Added a new requirement that toys intended to bear the mass of a child should come with appropriate maintenance instructions for use.
Test methods	Clarified that the perpendicular tension test should be carried out in the most onerous direction. Changed the temperature of the water used in the soaking test to align with other international standards and added tolerances. Revised the test method for expanding materials. The test methods related to projectile speed and energy have been updated and clarified, etc.

Manufacturers should note that while the new standard is published, the withdrawal date for the old standard EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 is expected to be July 2027. There will be a coexistence period, but early preparation for the new requirements is highly recommended to ensure seamless market access in the EU.

Our professional services

To help your products smoothly comply with the new requirements of EN 71-1:2026 and effectively mitigate potential trade compliance risks, [HESHAN LEO METROLOGY AND TESTING SERVICES CO. LTD] provides comprehensive technical support and services

•Standard Training: Deeply analyze the differences between old and new standards for you and your team.

•Product testing and evaluation: Conduct comprehensive and accurate testing of your toy products in accordance with the new standard requirements.

•Standard consultation: Provide improvement suggestions for your specific product design to ensure compliance with new regulations.

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HESHAN LEO METROLOGY AND TESTING SERVICES CO., LTD

Tel: 86 75-8862565 / 8862569 / 8862491

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For more information, please click the hyperlink
https://standards.cencenelec.eu/ords/f?p=CEN:110:::::FSP_PROJECT,FSP_ORG_ID:76581,6036&cs=1B5737D67F0E2FF16ED184C90FA0E7F53

Solution

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• Heshan Leo Metrology and Testing Services Co. Ltd.(LEO-MTS) can help to improve products quality for you, your supplier and your client.

To more information, please contact

Heshan Leo Metrology and Testing Services Co. Ltd.

Tel： 0750-8862565

Fax： 0750-8768244

Email： MTS@Leo-MTS.com

Website： http://www.leo-mts.com

Disclaimer:Leo-MTS has tried all reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of information, however the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice; The reader should exercise his own care and judgment before replying on this information in any important matter.