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EU: Decision from market surveillance authorities about soft-filled toys with sequins made

MARCH 2019 - Relevant for: Toys and children's products

On 19 February 2019, the Administrative Cooperation (ADCO) group of the Expert Group on Toy Safety, which is a group of market surveillance authorities supported by the European Commission, issued a note¹ regarding the age grading of the soft-filled toys with sequins. The decision given in the document represents the view of majority of market surveillance authorities.

Owing to their increasing popularity, the safety of the soft-filled toys partially or completely covered with sequins has been brought to the authorities’ attention. Unlike plush toys covered with soft textiles, the surface of the sequin toys are comparatively hard and rough. Some manufacturers market them as toys for children above 3 years old.

The ADCO concluded that the sequin-covered toy has similar design to soft-filled toys with coverings from which pieces can be bitten or torn off. Such toys should therefore meet the requirements in clause 8.3 (torque test) and 8.4 (tension test) as required in 5.1 (toys intended for children under 36 months, general requirements) under EN 71-1.

Sequins-covered soft-filled toys must be safe for children of all ages, manufacturers are not allowed to add the age warning “Not suitable for children under 3 years” nor the age warning symbol on the toys to circumvent the small part requirements.

[1] Note for soft-filled toys with sequins