Every toy sold in the European Union has to meet the Toy Safety Directive. In practice that means the toy carries a CE mark and has been tested to the harmonised standard EN 71. Here is what that covers, and what it doesn’t.
What EN 71 tests
| Part | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| EN 71-1 | Mechanical and physical properties: small parts, sharp edges, cords, strength, stability, magnets | Choking, cuts, strangulation and falls are the most common toy injuries |
| EN 71-2 | Flammability | Costumes, soft toys and fabrics must not catch fire easily |
| EN 71-3 | Migration of certain elements, such as lead, cadmium and chromium, from paints and materials | Toddlers chew toys; what is in the paint must not end up in the child |
All Mathlab toys are tested to EN 71 parts 1, 2 and 3. Toys with electric parts, like the Sunbot solar robot, are also tested to EN 62115.
The “not for children under 3” warning
EN 71-1 uses a small-parts cylinder about the size of a toddler’s throat. Anything that fits inside it is a choking hazard for children under three, and toys containing such parts must carry the warning. On our product pages this appears under Safety. The marble run, the magnetic tiles, the solar robot, the gear wall, the board game and the doctor’s kit all carry it.
Magnets
Two or more swallowed magnets can attract each other through the intestine walls, which is a medical emergency. EN 71-1 limits the strength of magnets that could come loose. In Glint Tiles the magnets are sealed inside a welded, riveted frame. Check magnetic toys for cracks from time to time and throw away any damaged pieces.
What you can check at home
- Look for the CE mark and the manufacturer’s name and EU address on the toy or the box.
- Follow the age warning, especially with younger siblings around.
- Check wooden toys for splinters and loose parts every few months, and sand or retire them.
- Use the wall anchor on furniture-sized toys like play kitchens.
- Keep cords and strings out of cots and away from sleeping children.
If you are worried about any toy, ours or someone else’s, the EU Safety Gate lists recalled products and lets you report dangerous ones.