Safety testing rules-want to sell things

[littlebylittle]

How do I go about getting stuff I make safety tested? Is it just toys that need it? Who does it? What do you have to pay? Any advice gratefully received.

I have just been on a merry adventure with my local TS officer about safety testing.

Toys have regulations to comply with EN71 parts 1-3. You can test yourself and self certificate, but will have to create technical files to maintain for 10 years! I've done it, and it was tricky, but perfectly doable if you have the will to see it through.

There ar companies out here who test toys, Intertec I think is one, but it will cost you approx £300 per toy!!! (there might be other orgs that are cheaper)

Clothes have their own regs on labelling and safe manufacture. Also regs on things like apron strings, ties on dress that sort of thing.

I ended up chatting to my TS officer who pointed me in the direction of all the regs online. Printing and saving the regs is another matter...! I have a lil secret way of doing it.

What do you make? Just toys?

Clothes mainly. By the way, saw your lovely things online. Now persuading dh that we need nappy changing basket for dc 3! Was interested when saw your things ce tested, set me thinking. Have only sold a few bits and only given knitted toys to friends because of the testing thing. If it's really te consuming might stick to selling clothes. Thanks for info.

Just read properly- will have to look into regs for clothes.

Thanks littlebylittle. Of course you do need a toy bucket!!

Knitted toys could be a bit more tricky to do as you have to get certification sheets from suppliers of wool/fabrc that they aren't dyed wih any heavy metals...mmm!

Having an ongoing saga with John Lewis under REACH regs (new to me!) to get them to supply this info.....

bit of a get out clause...if your toy is under 150mm then you don't need to test...

You can do the whole, its not toy, its not for under 14's, but legally its not a strong stance. Theres an article on ukhandmade about it. Anna from the Rabbit Warren I think its called. Interesting reading.

Clothes, much easier.
BS EN 14682:2007 Safety of children?s
clothing
BS 7907:2007 manufacture of children?s clothing
But TS was a really good starting point. Y should be able to get access to these docs through your library website.

Brilliant. Thanks for taking the time to give me info.

Just a thought- if it was the right kind of fabric, would you consider making the bucket in my own fabric?

Do you know anything about regs for products for children that aren't 'toys'? Things that go in childrens bedrooms for example - pictures, tables, mirrors, lampshades etc.?

@littlebylittle, of course. I use most fabrics to make them. 'Normal' cottons typically but heavy weight fabric is good too. Curtain type fabric works well too.

I line them inside and use an internal support fabric. PM me poppet. x

@cuppateajanice, sorry darling. I guess just regular safety regs apply, sharp edges that type of thing. Either ask your TS officer or have a look in shops at those items and see if it says it complies to any specific regs, ten look those up.