SG 076/25
CEN has published EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 for experimental sets for chemistry and related activities.
In April 2025, the European Committee for Standardization (Comité Européen de Normalisation, CEN) published EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 ‘Experimental Sets for Chemistry and Related Activities’. This standard specifies the requirements for the maximum quantity or concentration of certain substances and mixtures permitted in experimental sets for chemistry and related activities, including crystal growing sets, carbon dioxide generating experimental sets and supplementary sets.
This standard is now a part of the EN 71 series of standards for toy safety, which includes EN 71 Parts 1-5, 7, 8 and 10-20
Highlights of several important changes in EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 are summarized in Table 1:
| Section/Clause and Title | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Clause 2 ‘Normative references’ |
|
| Table 1 ‘Maximum amounts of chemical substances and mixtures for chemistry sets and labeling’ |
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| Clause 5.2.4.1 ‘Chemistry sets’; |
|
| Annex A, A.1 ‘Classification of substances and mixtures’ |
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| Annex D |
|
Similar to EN 71-4:2020, EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025 does not apply to combined sets, e.g. a combination of a chemistry set and a crystal set.
According to EN 71-4:2020+A1:2025, this standard will be given the status of a national standard by October 2025, with conflicting national standards being withdrawn by this date at the very latest. It is expected to be harmonized under Directive 2009/48/EC on toy safety upon official acceptance by the European Commission and publication in the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU).
Please also see our updated overview on EU toys standards to be revised in 2025 (SafeGuardS 016/25).
With a global network of toy laboratories, and EU Notified Bodies for toys in France and Germany, we can help you to ensure full compliance with the EU Toy Safety Directive. Our toy laboratories are internationally recognized by accreditation bodies, and are strategically located in key manufacturing zones and transit points worldwide. No matter in which European country your toy is to be sold, SGS can help you comply with all applicable requirements. Protect children and your brand by contracting SGS to ensure that your toys meet the complex requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive. Contact us to find out more or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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