Everything You Should Know About Custom Plush Toys Certifications and Labelling

Are you looking to start your own toy business? Whether planning to retail or offer promotional giveaway custom plush toys, ensuring they meet safety standards is crucial. Plush toys certification standards vary across regions. We have different regulations in the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Here is our guide on custom plush toy certifications and labeling to help you navigate this essential aspect of toy production.

Retail vs. Promotional Plush Toys

Firstly, determine whether your custom plush toys are for retail or promotional giveaways, as standards for manufacturing and testing differ significantly. Retail plushies require certified tests, whereas promotional plushies may not need the same level of certification.

Toy safety standards tests should meet international regulations. Remember, the importer is ultimately responsible for checking the legislation in their own country and ensuring compliance. While companies like EverLighten can help you pass all necessary tests, you need to investigate the import rules for your specific country before proceeding with production.

Plush Toys Certifications and Labelling

Plush Toys certification standards vary from region to region. For example, the standards in the EU differ from those in the United States. Generally, some basic tests in laboratories should be conducted to ensure safety and compliance.

Different Custom Plush Toys Certifications for the USA, Canada, and EU

USA

In the United States, custom plush toys must comply with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) regulations. The required tests include:

Mechanical/Physical Testing: ASTM F963-1

Flammability Testing: ASTM F963-2

Chemical Testing (8 kinds of heavy metal): ASTM F963-3

Lead and Phthalates Test: CPSIA

Labeling Test: CPSIA

Canada

Canadian toy standards are regulated by the CCPSA (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act), requiring:

Physical and Mechanical Testing: CCPSA SOR 2011-17-1

Combustion Testing: CCPSA SOR 2011-17-2

Chemical Testing (5 kinds of heavy metals): CCPSA SOR 2011-17-3

Lead and Mercury Testing: CCPSA

European Union

In the EU, toy safety is regulated by the EN71 standards. After passing these tests, plush toys can obtain the CE mark, signifying compliance with European health, safety, and environmental standards. The required tests include:

Physical and Institutional Performance: EN71-1

Combustion Performance: EN71-2

Chemical Performance (19 kinds of heavy metals): EN71-3

It is vital for plush toys to bear a CE mark when sold in the EU, as it symbolizes adherence to stringent safety standards.

Understanding Testing Costs

Testing costs will depend on the number of different materials and colors used in your plush toy. The laboratory will cut pieces of each material and test them according to parameters such as heavy metals and flammability. Note that certain elements, like embroidery (e.g., eyes and mouth lines), do not require testing.

The cost of obtaining certificates cannot be included in the unit price at the initial quotation stage. An initial prototype needs to be produced and approved to determine the number of colors and materials used. This prototype is then sent to an authorized laboratory, which quotes the certification costs accordingly.

EverLighten’s factory uses high-quality materials guaranteed to pass all custom plush toy certifications.

Labeling Custom Plush Toys: Essential Guidelines

After testing, designing labels is the next step before commencing production. Labeling rules vary depending on the country where the toys will be sold. Here are key points to include on your plush toy labels:

Client’s logo

Website

Origin (e.g., Made in China + Province for some countries)

Date of Production

Production Number (Invoice)

Composition

Mark “All new materials”

Name and address of importer or distributor

Washing instructions (e.g., Hand wash only, Do not iron, Dry clean)

Age mark (e.g., 3+, 0+)

List of certifications obtained

Ensuring that your labels meet these guidelines will help maintain compliance with regional regulations and improve consumer trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the environmental impact compare among different materials used for custom plush toys?

The environmental impact varies significantly between natural and synthetic materials. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are often more sustainable but may have drawbacks such as higher water usage during production. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon might be less eco-friendly due to their production processes and non-biodegradable nature.

Can I mix and match materials within a single order, and if so, how does it affect pricing and production time?

Mixing materials within a single order is possible but can affect pricing and production time. Each material type may require different testing and compliance checks, which could increase costs and extend production timelines.

Are there specific care instructions to ensure the longevity of custom plush toys made from different materials?

Care instructions typically depend on the material composition. Generally, washing in cool water and air-drying helps maintain the condition of plush toys. However, specific guidelines can vary by material type, and it’s essential to provide detailed care instructions to consumers.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your custom plush toys meet regional certification standards is crucial for compliance and consumer safety. By understanding the different standards in the USA, Canada, and the EU, you can better navigate the certification process. Proper labeling further ensures compliance and enhances consumer trust.

If you're looking to produce high-quality custom plush toys, EverLighten is here to help. With our extensive experience in product design, sourcing, and manufacturing, we can assist you with every step of the process, from initial prototyping to obtaining necessary certifications. Our commitment to quality ensures that your plush toys will meet all safety standards and delight your customers.

Contact EverLighten today to start your journey in producing safe, compliant, and high-quality custom plush toys.