Toy Updates: October 2025

EU toy standards updating

In this issue, we answer the following key questions:

1. Which toy standards should be used to demonstrate compliance with the EU Toy Safety Directive?
2. What is the difference between harmonized and published EU toy standards?
3. How do EU toy standards get updated?
4. What is the process for updating EU toy standards?
5. What is the current status of harmonized, published and draft standards?

Which toy standards should be used to demonstrate compliance with the EU Toy Safety Directive?

The EN 71-series and EN 62115 harmonized standards provide a presumption of conformity with the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. Harmonized standards are published by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the EU, which also includes a restriction for wave rollers.

What is the difference between harmonized and published EU toy standards?

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) issues a standard once it has been formally accepted. After publication, it is made available for purchase through CEN national member organizations such as BSI, AFNOR and DIN. At this stage, the standard is voluntary.

A standard becomes harmonized only after acceptance by the European Commission and publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

How do EU toy standards get updated?

Updating a toy standard requires the creation of a ‘Standardization Request’. This process begins with a draft proposal prepared by the European Commission. The request is intended to develop or amend standards in support of EU policies and legislation.

CEN and its committees review the request and decide whether to accept or reject it. Once both parties agree, CEN can begin work on creating a new or revised standard.

Standardization Requests are published on the European Commission’s website. The Toy Safety Directive Standardization Request was agreed upon in 2022. The deadline for most revisions is October 25, 2025.

What is the process for updating EU toy standards?

Once CEN and the European Commission reach an agreement on a Standardization Request, CEN begins work on the revision, following the timeline below: