Toy Safety

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Safety in the design and manufacture of toys is the BTHA's highest priority and all members of the BTHA are required to adhere to the Code of Practice and ensure that all products conform to EN 71 and, where appropriate, EN 62115 (electrical toys). The toy industry has to take into consideration the following pieces of legislation:-

Toy Safety Directive 88/378/EEC as transposed by the Toy Safety Regulations of 1989, amended 1995
EN71-1:2005 Safety of Toys, mechanical and physical properties
EN71-2:2006 Flammability
EN71-3:1995 Specification for migration of certain elements plus Amendments
EN71-4:1990 Specification for experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
EN71-5:1993/A1:2006 Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
EN71-6:1995 Graphical symbols for age warning labeling
EN71-7:2002 Fingerpaints - requirements and test methods
EN71-8:2003 Swings, slides, and similar activity toys for indoor and outdoor family domestic use
EN71-9:2005 Organic chemical compounds - requirements
EN71-10:2005 Safety of toys – Part 10:Organic chemical compounds – Sample preparations and extraction
EN71-11:2005 Safety of toys – Part 11:Organic chemical compounds – Methods of analysis
EN 50088:1996 (until 1st January 2008) or EN 62115:2005 Safety of electrical toys
EN 55014:Parts 1 and 2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (Emissions and Immunity)
7328:1990 Specification for model steam engines and internal combustion engines for models
The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations: 1996 as transposed from the Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) 2002/95/EC
The Plastic Materials and Articles in contact with Food regulations:SI 2006 No 1401 as transposed from the Directive 1998/1373/EC plus Amendments
The Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations: 1989 No 1291
The Weights and Measures (Metrication) Regulations: 1994 No 1851
BS 7272 Parts 1 and 2: 2000 Writing and Marking instruments
Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) SI 1999 No 930 Model Control/General Purpose Low Power Devices ETS 300 220 (Type Approval) and Frequency ranges
Packaging Essential Requirements: SI 2003 No 1941
Phthalates Directive 2005/84/EC (from 16th January 2007)
Azo Dyes European Directives 2002/61/EC (Azocolourants) and 2003/3/EC ('blue colourant')

It is also a requirement that members take prompt and effective action should any of their products breach current safety codes or develop a fault which renders them unsafe. In such cases, and when an enforcement authority makes any allegation of contravention of the toy safety regulations, they are obliged to advise the Association. The reputation of the BTHA and its members depends on our safety record and the remit of the BTHA, therefore, extends beyond simple adherence to codes and regulations and embraces a wide variety of safety related issues.
The toy safety committee exists to co-ordinate these toy safety activities and to provide BTHA representation on all relevant national and international committees, working parties and conferences.

Symbols and Information

	CE Mark Every manufacturer or first supplier in the Community must place a CE mark on his toy to indicate that it has been made in conformity with the essential safety requirements of the directive. It is an enforcement mark (not a sign of quality or safety) and was established to ensure free movement of product throughout the European Union - a sort of passport for toys. It has to appear, along with the first supplier's name and address "in a visible, legible and indelible form" on the toy or its packaging.
Look for the Lion Mark	The Lion Mark The Lion Mark was developed in 1988 by the BTHA to perform a function not covered by the CE Mark, namely, to act as a recognisable consumer symbol denoting safety and quality. To display the Lion Mark, a BTHA member must have signed a licence agreement with the Association which sets out the terms of its use. Failure to abide by these terms will lead to revocation of the licence. The Lion Mark also indicates the member's adherence to the BTHA Code of Practice which includes rules covering toy advertising and counterfeiting. Unlike the CE Mark, therefore, the Lion Mark is truly a consumer symbol. It means that consumers can be certain that a toy which bears the Lion Mark is safe and conforms with all relevant safety information.
	Approved Lion Mark Retailer In 1991 the Toy Retailers Association (TRA) joined up with the BTHA to launch the Approved Lion Mark Retailer Scheme. Members of the TRA also follow a strict Code of Practice which demands they only sell products conforming to EN 71. As such, TRA members can display the above sign in their shops. This does not mean that all products in the shop carry the Lion Mark but that all products meet the Toy Safety Standard.
	Age Warning This pictogram began appearing on toys in 1995 and means Warning - do not give the toy to children less than three years, nor allow them to play with it. With the symbol or in instructions included in the pack will be given details of the hazard, e.g. "because of small parts". This symbol will gradually replace the current warning "not suitable for children under 3 years", which has often been confused with age advice - those discretionary guidelines used by the manufacturer to help the buyer match the product with a child's age, interest and ability.