EN 71: 2025 Toy Standards Deadline Alert – What Toy Brands Must Know Before October 25
- Awen Hollek
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Why the EN 71 Series Matters in 2025 More Than Ever for Toy Standards
If you’re designing, developing, or selling toys in the EU in 2025, here’s your wake-up call: October 25, 2025 is not just a date on your calendar—it’s the regulatory D-Day for compliance.
The EN 71 toy safety standards, which form the foundation for CE-marked toy compliance in Europe, are undergoing a sweeping revision in 2025 across multiple parts. And yes, it affects you. Whether you’re manufacturing in Asia or Europe, shipping DTC, or working with major retailers—if your toys are intended for the EU market, you need to act now.
The European Commission has announced the withdrawal and replacement of harmonized standards, meaning toys placed on the market after October 25 must meet the updated requirements to remain legally compliant and avoid delays, lab rejections, or worse—product recalls.
What Is EN 71 and Who Needs to Worry About It?
The EN 71 standard is a series of European safety standards designed to ensure toys do not pose risks to children. From mechanical hazards to flammable materials and chemical exposure, EN 71 provides the framework for assessing toy safety across categories.
Who must comply?
Toy manufacturers
Importers and distributors
Toy designers and developers
Retailers offering toys under private labels
Even if your toy has already passed lab tests previously, these new 2025 updates may require re-evaluation.
October 25, 2025: The Critical Deadline You Can’t Miss
According to the European Commission’s notice, current harmonized EN 71 standards will be withdrawn and replaced as of October 25, 2025. That means:
New versions of EN 71-1, -2, -3, and EN 62115 will apply
Toys must meet the updated criteria to be sold legally in the EU
Declarations of conformity will need to reflect the new standard references
🗓️ Mark your calendar: If you’re still testing against old standards after that date, your CE marking will no longer be valid.
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Quick Overview: What’s Changing in EN 71 in 2025
EN 71-1: Mechanical and Physical Properties – Key Revisions
While no major overhauls were announced here, updates to specific requirements for small parts, cords, protruding elements, and impact zones are expected. These aim to address evolving toy categories like modular playsets and hybrid plush-electronic designs.
🛠️ What it means for you:
Recheck your designs for choke hazards, entrapment risks, or changes in test methods—especially for age categories 0–3 and 3–6.
EN 71-2: Flammability – Major Amendments
The new version EN 71-2:2020 + A1:2025 brings critical updates:
Clarified definitions for materials in disguise costumes and soft-filled toys
New preconditioning requirements (e.g. mask accessories must be tested after washing with standardized water conditions)
Updated test procedures for items like capes, hoods, and attached accessories that may increase flammability risk
🧵 Why it matters: Costume-like plush toys are increasingly popular, and the updated procedures may require you to change stitching, material sourcing, or even accessory design.
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EN 71-3: Migration of Certain Elements – Chemical Safety Updates
The updated EN 71-3:2019 + A2:2024 introduces changes to:
Sampling procedures: Composite materials must now be tested separately if not physically inseparable
Migration testing: Focused on improved detection for chromium III and VI, and cadmium, lead, arsenic
Removal of dewaxing: Toys containing waxed elements (e.g., painted wood) must now be tested without dewaxing
Slime categorization: Introduction of CEN/TS 17973:2023 to standardize “slime-type” materials for proper categorization
🧪 Why it matters: Chemical safety violations account for a high percentage of product recalls. And if you’re creating “sensory” toys, DIY kits, or glittery doughs—this applies to you.
Sources:
EN 62115: Electrical Toys – What’s Evolving
Electrical safety for toys involving batteries, USB charging, or embedded lighting is being revised to align with IEC 62115. Key areas include:
Battery overheating protection
EMC shielding
Child accessibility safeguards
📱 Why it matters: If you’re developing smart or light-up toys, you may need to adapt circuits or housing specs.
What These Updates Mean for Toy Designers and Brands
You can’t simply dust off last year’s compliance checklist. These updates affect:
Material sourcing
Design prototypes
Lab testing
Labeling
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Expect to invest in re-testing, documentation updates, and likely—some redesigns.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you place a toy on the EU market post-October 25 that hasn’t been tested to the updated standards:
Your CE mark becomes invalid
Products may be rejected at customs
You risk legal penalties, fines, and recalls
Retailers may refuse to carry your products
Key Steps to Take Before the Deadline
✅ 1. Audit Existing Products
Match each product with the part of EN 71 that applies, and check which standards are being updated.
✅ 2. Contact Your Labs
Ask if they’re testing against the new versions—some still use old ones unless prompted.
✅ 3. Check Your Supply Chain
Ensure your factories and suppliers understand the changes—especially with new flammability rules.
✅ 4. Update Packaging, Labels & Warnings
Check EN 71-1 & 2 for changes to age labeling, flammability icons, and language requirements.
✅ 5. Get New Test Reports & DoC
Once products are tested under the new standards, update your legal files and keep them for inspection.
How Awen Hollek Can Help You Stay Compliant and Competitive
At Awen Hollek, we don’t just help you design great toys—we help you design them right. We’ll guide you through every regulatory twist and turn:
Update prototypes to meet EN 71-2 flammability thresholds
Source materials that meet the new EN 71-3 migration limits
Liaise directly with top testing labs to ensure accurate compliance
Keep your CE documentation water-tight and ready for retail
📬 Need help now? Let’s talk
FAQs About EN 71:2025 Updates
Q: Do I need to retest toys that already passed EN 71 before?
A: Yes—if the standard changed, and you’re selling after October 25, you must update testing & DoC.
Q: How do I know if my materials comply with the new EN 71-3 rules?
A: You’ll need updated lab testing based on the latest migration limits.
Q: What are “slime-type” materials and why do they matter?
A: These are defined in CEN/TS 17973:2023. If your toy has gooey, stretchable material, it may fall under this and need extra testing.
Q: Is costume plush considered a disguise toy?
A: If it includes capes, masks, hoods, or is meant to resemble a costume—it probably does, and EN 71-2 applies.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic. Just Prepare.
You don’t need to know everything about EN 71. You just need the right partner who does.
At Awen Hollek, we’re already guiding brands through this next wave of compliance. Let’s make sure your toys stay on shelf—and out of legal hot water.
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