On 20 November 2024, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published an amended version of the European Standard EN 71-13: EN 71-13:2021+A2:2024, Safety of toys - Part 13: Olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games. The application date will be 31 May 2025.
The new standard EN 71-13:2021+A2:2024 will be given the status of a national standard and the conflicting national standards will be withdrawn by May 2025 at the latest. The standard is expected to become a harmonised standard under the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC after it is accepted by the European Commission and is published on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
The Main Technical Changes EN 71-13:2021+A2:2024 are as follows:
- Revised the requirement on closures for child-resistant containers. Reintroduced the test method for closures of containers as laid down in EN 71-13:2014 Annex C Clauses C.1 and C.2 as a new Annex E.
- Required olfactory board games to comply with the requirement on maximum content of flammable liquids.
The Application Product of EN 71-13:2021+A2:2024:
The standard EN 71-13:2021+A2:2024 applies to olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games and supplementary sets. It specifies requirements on the use of substances and mixtures, and their amounts and concentrations in these games or kits.
Olfactory board game: is the toy, the purpose of which is to assist a child to learn to recognize different odours or flavours. It includes activities of smelling and/or tasting.
Cosmetic kit: is the toy, the purpose of which is to assist a child to learn to make products such as fragrances, soaps, creams, shampoos, bath foams, glosses, lipsticks, other make-up, toothpaste and conditioners.
Gustative game (or “gustative kit” or “food kit”): is the toy, the purpose of which is to allow children to make sweets or dishes which involve the use of food ingredients such as sweets, liquids, powders and aromas.
Supplementary set: is incomplete olfactory board game, cosmetic kit or gustative game which is intended to be used with a complete game or kit.
The Main Requirement of EN 71-13 Safety of toys
The European Standard EN 71-13 Safety of toys - Part 13: Olfactory board games, cosmetic kits and gustative games specifies requirements on the use of substances and mixtures and in some cases on their amount and concentration in olfactory board games, cosmetic kits, gustative games and supplementary sets to such games or kits.
These substances and mixtures are:
- those classified as hazardous by the EC-legislation applying to hazardous substances [13] and hazardous mixtures;
- substances and mixtures which in excessive amounts could harm the health of the children using them and which are not classified as hazardous by the above-mentioned legislation; and
- any other chemical substance(s) and mixture(s) delivered with the set.
Furthermore, this document specifies allergenic fragrances which are prohibited in toys, marking requirements, in particular regarding allergenic fragrances, and requirements on a contents list, instructions for use, the equipment intended to be used during the activity and the use of highly flammable liquids.
This standard does not apply to cosmetic toys such as play cosmetics for dolls.
The Packaging Requirements of Quality Control Inspection for Toys
There are labelling requirements to be included on the packaging:
batch number;
- if relevant, an exhaustive list of the ingredients contained in the game or kit,
- if relevant, the shelf life or “used by” date or a period after opening
NOTE The cosmetic legislation and food stuff legislation lay down additional marking requirements.
If any of the 3 types of games/kits contain highly flammable liquids they shall carry the following warning:
“Warning. Contains highly flammable liquids. Not to be used by children under 8 years”.
There is also specific labelling requirements for the packaging of Gustative games and cosmetic kits:,
- “Warning. Not suitable for children under (*) years. For use under adult supervision.
- Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference.
- Keep the game/kit out of reach of children under
(*) years old.”
(*) The age is to be specified by the manufacturer or authorized representative.
The contents list of cosmetic kits and gustative games sets shall contain:
a) a list of the chemicals supplied;
b) as appropriate for the product, general first aid information such as: “In case of eye contact: Wash out eye with plenty of water. Seek immediate medical advice if necessary.”
For cosmetic kits, add the following information: “If swallowed: Wash out mouth with water and drink some fresh water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.”
There are also requirements for the glassware and containers used within the kits and games.
Conclusion:
Attention for EU/EEA manufacturers, EU/EEA importers and their upstream providers, EU/EEA distributors:
In the new standard, the requirement on closures for child-resistant containers has been revised, and olfactory board games are required to comply with the requirement on maximum content of flammable liquids. The standard will be given the status of a national standard and the conflicting national standards will be withdrawn by May 2025 at the latest.
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