BS EN 71-2:2020

What is BS EN 71-2:2020 about?  

BS EN 71-2 is the second part in a 13-part series of European standards that specifies toy safety and the categories of flammable materials which are prohibited in all toys, and requirements concerning flammability of certain toys when they are subjected to a small source of ignition. 

NOTE: Paper and paperboard hats without embellishments or attachments, as well as requirements for flammability of electric toys, are excluded.   

Who is BS EN 71-2:2020 for?  

BS EN 71-2:2020 is necessary for the following: 

• Toy manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and distributors 
• Manufacturers, suppliers, and designers of toy disguise costume 
• Toy retailers 
• Quality assurance and testing department 
• Product designers 
• Certification bodies 

Why should you use is BS EN 71-2:2020?  

Ensuring toys are not flammable is a key parameter to ensure safety of individuals from hazardous and life-threatening situations.  

BS EN 71-2 helps manufacturers improve toy safety by conforming to EU’s Toy Safety Directive that helps build awareness about hazards caused by toys (toys to be worn on head, disguise costumes and toys, toys made from textile/polymer sheets and soft-filled toys). This helps create confidence across the supply chain of a product, as well as amongst consumers. 

BS EN 71-2 provides details of flammable materials to be avoided and suggests test methods to determine flammability of toys through a small source of ignition.  

Complying with BS EN 71-2 you will be able to ensure safety of toys for consumers, give suppliers and retailers clarity that the products they supply are in line with current regulations and help manufacturers comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 71-2:2020 supersedes BS EN 71-2:2011+A1:2014, which is withdrawn. The key changes are: 

• Increases the number and type of test specimens taken from toy disguise costumes 
• Adds new definitions, including for cleansing, flowing elements, highly flammable solids, toy disguise costumes, toys intended to be entered by a child, and washing 
• Adds new requirements, e.g. for disguise costumes to be tested before and after washing, and for loose stuffing 
• Increases the testing of smaller specimens by allowing combined or half-size specimens 
• Adds clarifications on the measurement of unhindered dimensions, and of test categories applicable to toys worn on the head and to toy disguise costumes 
• Adds new advice on assessing whether toys are to be entered 
• Adds an annex on suggestions to manufacturers on how to reduce the rate of flame spread