M/410 - Magnetic toys
Standardisation mandate to CEN to draw up a standard for magnetic toys
The European Commission issued Mandate M/410 to CEN, directing the development of a European standard specifically for magnetic toys. This mandate aims to ensure the safety and quality of magnetic toys available in the market by establishing clear technical and safety requirements. The decision on the approval or disapproval of this mandate is referenced under resolution CEN/BT C58/2007. The standardisation process under this mandate intends to harmonize safety practices, reducing risks associated with magnetic components in toys, thereby protecting consumers and facilitating trade within the EU.
Purpose
This mandate tasks the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) with developing a European standard specifically for magnetic toys. The intent is to ensure safety, quality, and compliance within the EU market by providing a harmonized technical framework governing the design and manufacture of magnetic toys.
Standardisation request
CEN is requested to draft a comprehensive standard that addresses all relevant aspects of magnetic toys. This includes defining safety requirements related to magnetic components, assessing potential health risks, and ensuring clear guidelines for manufacturers. The standard should support regulatory compliance and consumer protection goals.
Expected deliverables
A draft European standard covering magnetic toys, including specifications and testing methods.
Documentation supporting the assessment of risks associated with magnets in toys.
Recommendations that align with existing EU toy safety directives and regulations.
Proposals for implementation timelines and mechanisms to facilitate uptake across member states.
Context
Magnetic toys are popular among children but raise specific safety concerns due to the presence of small magnets that can pose ingestion hazards or other risks. The development of a harmonized standard aims to mitigate these concerns while supporting fair market practices. This mandate responds to the need for clear and unified technical criteria within the EU to safeguard consumers and streamline regulatory oversight. The resolution reference for this mandate is CEN/BT C58/2007.
The mandate covers the development of standards for magnetic toys, focusing on ensuring their safety and compliance within the toy sector. It addresses the characteristics and safety requirements specific to toys containing magnetic components.
General Information
Amendment 8 concerning hazardous magnets in toys
- Draft10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Amendment 8 concerning hazardous magnets in toys
- Draft10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and methods of tests for mechanical and physical properties of toys.
This European Standard applies to toys for children, toys being any product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years. It refers to new toys taking into account the period of foreseeable and normal use, and that the toys are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children.
It includes specific requirements for toys intended for children under 36 months and for children who are too young to sit up unaided. For the purpose of this European Standard, soft-filled toys with simple features intended for holding and cuddling are considered as toys intended for children under 36 months.
This European Standard also specifies requirements for packaging, marking and labelling.
This European Standard does not cover musical instruments, sports equipment or similar items but does include their toy counterparts.
This European Standard does not cover electrical safety aspects of toys. These are covered by /EN 62115, Electric toys - Safety0.
Furthermore, it does not cover the following items which, for the purpose of this European Standard, are not considered as toys:
- Christmas decorations (see A.2);
- detailed scale models for adult collectors (see A.2);
- equipment intended to be used collectively in playgrounds;
- sports equipment;
- aquatic equipment intended to be used in deep water;
- folk dolls and decorative dolls and other similar articles for adult collectors;
- "professional" toys installed in public places (shopping centres, stations etc.) (see A.2);
- puzzles with more than 500 pieces or without picture, intended for specialists;
- air guns and air pistols (see A.2);
- fireworks, including percussion caps except percussion caps specifically designed for toys;
- slings and catapults (see A.2);
- sets of darts with metallic points;
- electric ovens
- Standard94 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements and methods of tests for mechanical and physical properties of toys.
This European Standard applies to toys for children, toys being any product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years. It refers to new toys taking into account the period of foreseeable and normal use, and that the toys are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children.
It includes specific requirements for toys intended for children under 36 months and for children who are too young to sit up unaided. For the purpose of this European Standard, soft-filled toys with simple features intended for holding and cuddling are considered as toys intended for children under 36 months.
This European Standard also specifies requirements for packaging, marking and labelling.
This European Standard does not cover musical instruments, sports equipment or similar items but does include their toy counterparts.
This European Standard does not cover electrical safety aspects of toys. These are covered by /EN 62115, Electric toys - Safety0.
Furthermore, it does not cover the following items which, for the purpose of this European Standard, are not considered as toys:
- Christmas decorations (see A.2);
- detailed scale models for adult collectors (see A.2);
- equipment intended to be used collectively in playgrounds;
- sports equipment;
- aquatic equipment intended to be used in deep water;
- folk dolls and decorative dolls and other similar articles for adult collectors;
- "professional" toys installed in public places (shopping centres, stations etc.) (see A.2);
- puzzles with more than 500 pieces or without picture, intended for specialists;
- air guns and air pistols (see A.2);
- fireworks, including percussion caps except percussion caps specifically designed for toys;
- slings and catapults (see A.2);
- sets of darts with metallic points;
- electric ovens
- Standard94 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/410 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Standardisation mandate to CEN to draw up a standard for magnetic toys". Standardisation mandate to CEN to draw up a standard for magnetic toys There are 4 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.