If you sell soft toys online/craft fairs do you need to have them certified with the "CE" mark ? and if so, how ?

[crochetqueen]

I have started making small soft toys as a hobby (which I'm really enjoying). A few people I've shown them to have asked if I will start selling them. I'm tempted to build up a collection and then start selling but am now concerned about the fact that they would be classed as a "toy" and then that they would need to be certified for any type of selling even on a small scale to comply with the Toy Safety Directive

The web is a minefield. I've found the website which will send you a pack for £30 for you to self certify but from what I understand you have to start setting fire to the doll/toy made and do various flammability and endurance (!) tests with it - if you're going to make a variety of toys, presumably that one test won't work for all the different items you make IYSWIM.

I won't be able to make enough to do more than sell on a website (such as Etsy or Folksy), sell to the odd friend who wants one and perhaps a craft fair towards the end of the year. I don't have any dreams of making my millions - it's more a hobby and would be nice to make a bit of pin money to cover the cost of materials and a bit more.....I am just enjoying having the machine out again but that said, I also don't want to find myself in trouble for not having complied.......

Are there any ways round the directive (for eg marking as "not a toy" etc?!...I've seen this mentioned on places...)

Why are the simplest things so difficult these days !!
Many thanks

[MrsPennyapple]

I believe they do need to be certified on either the toy itself or on the packaging if not possible on the toy. I think self certification is not as hard as you think though. I make some toys and the stuffing I use is already certified as conforming to EN71 flammability rating, so as long as I keep some packaging available, that is sufficient back up.

You also need to be sure there are no bits that could come off, or be pulled off by a child. I'm not sure about other regs as mine are very simple, just stuffing, exterior, and stitching.

[crochetqueen]

thanks.....have you self certified ? I have a label in the stuffing confirming the conformance with regulations for that. What about the material ? I am just using the stuffing, fabric and some wool mix felt I got from an online shop to do the faces and hair on my toys.

[MrsPennyapple]

I haven't self certified although I have sold some items through a local shop as a test run to see if they would sell. They sold well, but not for enough money to make it worthwhile unfortunately.

My exteriors were made from clothing so I kept packaging. I think you would need some evidence of fibre content and flammability for all components. Keep the packaging from the felt, only one packet, not every packet, but check if you buy felt from somewhere else that the fibre content is the same. Also wash one of your items so you know what temperature it will wash at, and so you know it will stand up to machine washing.

Sorry if this reads abruptly, am on phone and typing is a pain in the rear end.

[crochetqueen]

thank you thats really helpful, not abrupt at all !!! very well done for the multitasking !

[wifywithalify]

I would love to really find a way of earning in a "do it when I can job", like making teddies or something that is really lovely and saleable as well, please make suggestions if you can AS it is International WOMENS DAY! THANK YOU in anticipation x

[Les58]

If you have purchased a soft rabbit toy and then add something on it, do you need to re do a ce on it

[Nellysewsit]

I feel your pain! I made some toys last year in the hope of them being given to kiddies who might not get anything from Santa but found out about the EN71 Regulations at Christmas. I now have a boxful of toys that I can't even give away. I appealed to Trading Standards for help to see if they knew of fabric suppliers in the UK who could supply cuddle fleece etc and ended up being told I would be classed as a manufacturer and liable for full compliance even though I would be giving the toys away for free (have you seen the penalties?!!!). I was also told that charities would not be able to use them or sell them either because they were not compliant.

I don't disagree with the regulations because they're there to protect children, but trying to source EN71 compliant fabrics is a nightmare. There are OEKO-TEX fabrics to be had, but they don't seem to cover the flammability problems, only the chemical composition. If you are only using wool felt and wool stuffing, you should find it easier than me because I want cuddle fleece and cotton fabrics. Check out billowfabrics.co.uk, worldofwool.co.uk (gorgeous wool stuffing which is compliant!) and amazingcraft.co.uk - they all have great products and are incredibly helpful. I was also sent this link by one supplier trying to help me - you might find it useful. https://www.facebook.com/groups/cemarkingsupportnetworksofttoys/

Like you, I enjoy making toys but worry about getting into trouble (which is why I'm still writing to anyone and everyone who might be able to help me!). Good luck with it - I really wish you well 😊