GPSR + Toys Directive for Toy Manufacturers (2009/48/EC)
If you want to enter the EU market or make your existing products compliant, you should be familiar with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and the Toy Directive (2009/48/EC).
Toys Directive vs. GPSR Which applies to what extent
The Toy Directive (2009/48/EC) is a regulation specifically designed to ensure the safety of toys in Europe. It specifies physical, mechanical and chemical safety requirements for toys.
The combined application of these two regulations creates a two-tiered compliance process for toys. While the GPSR ensures the overall safety of products, the Toy Directive details the specific requirements of toys.
EN 71 Standards (Physical-Mechanical, Combustible, Chemical)
EN 71 standards are European standards for ensuring the safety of toys. These standards include safety requirements in three main areas:
- Physical and Mechanical Safety: Factors such as the structural integrity of toys, sharp edges and the risk of falling parts are considered. - Combustibility: Toys must be ensured that they do not contain combustible materials and do not ignite within a certain period of time. - Chemical Safety: The chemicals contained in toys must be within certain limits in order not to harm children's health.
Compliance with these standards increases the safety of your product and facilitates your entry into the market.
§§GL18 §§ Sign Who sets it, what it means
§§GL18 §§ sign indicates that the product complies with §§GL8 §§ standards. Toy manufacturers must use §§GL18 §§ sign to prove that their products comply with these standards.
It is the manufacturer's responsibility to mark the product after passing the necessary tests, and the manufacturer may place the mark on the product to indicate that the product is safe and complies with the relevant regulations.
Age signs and warning signs
Toys must be age-marked and have warning symbols indicating which age group the product is suitable for and potential hazards, such as a "3 not suitable for children under the age of" warning for toys containing small parts, which helps parents and caregivers to ensure the safety of their children.
Do you need a notified body?
In some cases, toy manufacturers have to have their products tested by a notified body. This is especially true for new and complex products. Approved organizations evaluate your products independently and perform the necessary tests. If your product carries certain risks, working with an approved body will speed up your compliance process.
Practical Steps for Toy Exporter from Turkey
If you plan to export toys from Turkey, you should follow the following steps:
1. Comply with GPSR and the Toy Directive. Make sure your products meet all safety requirements.
2. Perform the required tests. Contact approved bodies for testing in accordance with EN 71.
3. §§§§§§GL18 Take the mark. After proving the safety of your product, add the mark §§GL18§ to your product.
4. Add Age Signs and Warning Symbols. Increase user safety by labeling your products.
5. Prepare the necessary documents for entry into the market. Prepare all your documents thoroughly and complete the necessary documents for entry into the EU market.
How do we help?
Based in Germany, we support toy manufacturers in their compliance processes with GPSR and the Toy Directive. We help you take the necessary steps to increase the safety of your products and ensure your place in the EU market.
§§MDX0 §§