EN 71-15:2025 and EN 71-16:2025, gained the status of harmonized standards under the 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive following the publication of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032 in the Official Journal of the European Union. Both standards have been in effect since September 11, 2026. As of this date, toy testing programs and technical files must refer to the 2025 editions.
EN 71-15 defines a test method for determining the amount of formamide in foam toy materials. Formamide is a substance that may be present as a production residue in foams such as EVA and is classified as toxic to reproduction. The standard establishes a two-step approach: If the content exceeds 200 mg/kg, an emission test is required, and emissions must not exceed 20 ยตg/mยณ over a 28-day period.
EN 71-16, on the other hand, covers three chlorinated phosphorus-based flame retardants: TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP. The limit for each is 5 mg/kg in a single material. Even if only one of these components exceeds the limit, the entire toy is considered non-compliant. The scope includes plastics, coatings, and polymeric components, as well as textiles. Therefore, it directly affects companies that supply fabrics to the toy industry.
Both standards primarily apply to toys intended for children under 36 months of age and to toys intended to be placed in the mouth. Manufacturers are advised to review the composition of their materials, request up-to-date chemical declarations from their suppliers, and update their testing plans in accordance with these two standards.
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