November 4, 2013
Details
UL's new UK Chemical Centre of Excellence based in Winnersh, Berkshire, is now accredited to provide testing solutions to help assess product compliance with 17 of the elements under the updated EN 71-3 chemical requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC).
The updated EN 71-3 chemical requirements mean that toys and children's products must be manufactured so as to prevent exposure of children to harmful chemical elements. Consideration must also be given to the composition of compounds and raw materials used to actually make the item.
Why It Matters
The EU Toy Safety Directive's updated chemical requirements include restrictions on toxic elements, certain fragrances and use of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals. In particular, the chemical testing requirements increases from eight elements to 19 and, depending on the toy material category, different limits are applied.
In addition, the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC requires manufacturers to provide a Technical File containing documentation demonstrating the toy complies with design, manufacture, chemical and operational requirements. The Technical File must be kept up to date and reflect any changes to the toy, legislation, or standards. It is essential that the history of the product is retained.
How UL Can Help
To learn how UL's quality assurance programs for children's products and chemical management services can help ensure regulatory compliance for EN 71-3, contact us via qaenquiries@ul.com. A UL representative will follow up with you soon.