Soft-filled toys partially or completely covered with sequins is a new industry trend and has caught the attention of EU market surveillance authorities.

UL VS Ltd reports that The Administrative Cooperation (ADCO) Expert Group on Toy Safety within the EU Commission has issued a note to help companies understand the approach market surveillance authorities will take on soft-filled toys covered with sequins.

The note explains that a soft-filled toy that is partially or completely covered with sequins is considered as a toy intended for children under 36 months. Additionally, according to the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, soft-filled toys with simple features, intended for holding and cuddling, are considered as a toy intended for children under three years of age.

Therefore, every soft-filled toy must meet the requirements of EN 71–1, especially the requirements referenced in sub-sections 8.3 (torque test) and 8.4 (tension test) as required by section 5.1 (toys intended for children under 36 months, general requirements). It is no longer possible to avoid the small part requirements by adding the age warning, “Not suitable for children under 3 years” or the age warning symbol for a toy.

The document is publicly available here.

UL VS tests, inspects, audits, certifies, verifies claims and trains, as well as provides software solutions. If you have any questions about the safety requirements of soft-filled toys covered with sequins, please get in touch on 01256 312100.