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The Toy Technical Record: Key to Compliance with the Toy Safety Directive

Elizabeth
7/5/2024

At Together Comply, we have assisted numerous companies and entrepreneurs in the complex process of ensuring that their products, especially toys, comply with strict European regulations.

In this 2-minute reading we want to share a detailed perspective on the technical file for toys, a crucial element in complying with the Toy Directive and obtaining CE marking in Spain.

What is the Technical Toy Record?

The toy technical file is a comprehensive collection of documents that demonstrate that a toy complies with all applicable European Union regulations, particularly the Toy Directive (2009/48/EC). In this entry we are going to refer exclusively to the technical file of toys, but we have an entry on technical documentation. hither

This file is essential to apply the CE marking of toys in Spain and in any other EU member state.

Importance of the Technical Record

This document is not only a requirement for the marketing of toys in the EU, but it also serves as a guarantee that the product is safe for children, in addition to being an essential requirement for evaluating the conformity of our toy.

By containing detailed information about the design, manufacture, and compliance of toys, the technical file is the first line of defense against any legal or safety questions that may arise.

Creating the Technical File for Toys: A Practical Guide

Developing a complete and compliant toy technical file can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right guidance, it can be a structured and efficient process. Here I offer you a detailed guide on how to compile this vital document: Understand that each point is a document that, together with the rest, will form the toy file.

  1. Product Description
    General Details: Include the name, description and all variants of the toy.
    Technical Specifications: Document dimensions, materials, and any electronic or mechanical functions.
  2. Risk Analysis
    Perform a risk assessment to identify and document all potential hazards that the toy could pose.
  3. Design and Manufacturing Documentation
    Provide detailed drawings, material specifications, and descriptions of manufacturing processes.
  4. Tests and Certificates of Conformity
    Include copies of all tests performed (mechanical, chemical, flammability, etc.) and the test reports obtained that demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations.
  5. CE Declaration of Conformity
    This document is a formal declaration from the manufacturer that the product complies with all applicable EU directives.
  6. Quality Control Record
    Document quality control procedures and toy inspection results.

Implementation of CE Marking on Toys

Once the technical documentation and everything that it entails have been completed, we will have been able to evaluate the conformity of the toy and make it worthy of carrying the CE mark that proves that compliance.

The CE mark must meet the following requirements:

Visibility: Make sure that the CE mark is visible, legible and indelible on the toy or its labeling.
Consistency: The marking must reflect the results of the conformity assessments carried out as part of the technical file.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Compiling a complete toy technical dossier can present challenges, especially for new manufacturers or those introducing innovative products to the market.

The key to overcoming these challenges is to stay well informed about legislation updates and to collaborate closely with regulatory compliance specialists.

Tips for Staying Compliant

  • Continuous Update: Keep technical file documents up to date with any changes in product design or legislation.
  • Regular Audits: Perform regular audits of the technical file to ensure full compliance.
  • Continuous Update: Keep technical file documents up to date with any changes in product design or legislation.
  • Regular Audits: Perform regular audits of the technical file to ensure full compliance.

The Technical File and Amazon

If you are an Amazon seller, you will have been able to verify that the requirements for requesting technical documentation have increased over time and even more so in products such as toys that are going to be handled by children and that have always been in the spotlight, as far as their safety is concerned.

These requirements will continue to accompany us, especially considering the entry into force of the new General Security Regulation, which has led to the extension of the request for documentation to all products and not just those with specific regulations.

We have an article about the new RSGP here.

Your path to the technical toy file

The technical file for toys is more than a bureaucratic requirement; it is a fundamental part of the regulatory compliance strategy that protects companies and consumers.

At Together Comply, we are dedicated to helping our customers navigate this process with confidence and precision. If you need assistance to ensure that your toys comply with the Directive and obtain the CE mark for toys in Spain and the European Union, we are here to help.

We can prepare the complete technical file for your toy, including the SDS, construction drawings and everything related to technical documentation.

For more information on how we can support you on this and other regulatory compliance issues, you can browse our blog where we have another article on the toy safety directive.

Or rather, contact us to provide you with a simplified solution to your regulatory compliance need. Together we can ensure that your products are not only safe and compliant, but that they also succeed in the competitive European market.