Toy manufacturing is dominated by large Asian manufacturers but there are many small business hand crafting toys in the UK. If the toys are made outside Europe, the importer will have to take responsibility for CE marking. Small UK manufacturers generally need assistance with CE marking by self-certification and we have a range of resources aimed specifically at this market. Larger importers will generally rely on test certificates issued by internationally accredited test labs.
Conformance offers a comprehensive range of support services for manufacturers and importers of toys and other consumer durables, both large and small. Contact us today to find out how our expertise in product safety can complement your key skills in manufacturing, import and sales.
- Self-certification resources at very reasonable prices are available from our on-line shop.
- Review test certificates and advise on testing of products.
- Provide a draft Declaration of Conformity and help you complete it.
- Follow-up advice.
Our recent industry experience
- Fidget spinners, skateboards, hoverboards and bicycles.
- Homemade soft toys, taggie blankets and fabric books
- Teepees & play tents
- Homemade craft kits & wooden toys
- Fancy dress costumes & accessories
- Wax crayons
- Story stones
- Mud kitchens
- Playdough-like products
- Educational books and kits
- Promotional and gift items
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to CE Mark my product?
Any item designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14 years of age will need to be CE marked under the Toy Safety Directive. There are some exceptions and our initial consultation will assess your requirements and decide how we can help.
How do I know if my product complies?
The best way to judge whether or not a toy complies with the Directive is to check it against the relevant Harmonised standards. Our self-certification packs, checklists and other resources can help you do your own assessment - view them in our online shop.
What do I need to do if my product does not comply with the standards?
You will need to modify your toy in order to meet the regulations.
Do I need to get my product approved?
No, toys can be entirely self-certified – you don’t need to register or get approval from anyone.
How do I complete a technical file?
Technical files need to contain all the information which shows that your claim to comply with the directives and standards is justified. We have identified what you need for your technical file and created a checklist which you can purchase via the online shop.
How can I get a declaration of conformity for my product?
You can buy formats for your Declarations in our online shop. If you need us to fill it in for you please contact us.
How do I apply the CE Mark to my product?
According to the Directive the CE mark must be affixed to the toy itself, “or where the size or nature of the toy does not allow it, that the required information is provided on the packaging or in a document accompanying the toy”. There are additional markings that must also be listed which we can advise you on.
Where can I find out more information about CE marking of toys and toy-like products?
Our Toy Safety Directive webpage gives a detailed introduction and guidance on the CE marking process. If you are making homemade or handmade toys on a small-scale we have a specific page with many FAQ.
Other relevant products & services
Online shop
Our shop allows you to purchase a range of useful resources such as our unique self-certification packs for toys, plus checklists and various declaration form examples.
Prepaid Consultancy Time
You can purchase consultancy from our online shop in blocks of 30 or 60 minutes to provide quick help when you need it.
Design assistance
We can assist with interpreting the requirements of the directives and standards and applying them to your products. We can also draft instruction manuals, check the content of product labels, data plates, and packaging.
Self-assessment materials
You will find checklists and formats for risk assessment in our online shop. We have many other checklists and report formats which are not in the shop - please contact us if you are looking for something specific and can't find it.
Self-certification guides
We provide guides which identify the applicable directives and standards for your product and all the other information you will need to do your own assessments. Every guide is tailored to your specific requirements and includes detailed information on how to do the assessment, checklists and formats for recording the results and a draft of the Declaration of Conformity you will need to sign when the process is complete.