First published: October 2026
EN 71-15:2025 and EN 71-16:2025 are now harmonised standards under the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, following the publication of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2032 in the Official Journal of the European Union. Covering formamide in foam toy materials and specified flame retardants in toy materials respectively, these standards provide toy brands and manufacturers with harmonised testing methods to support compliance with the applicable chemical safety requirements.
As chemical safety remains a key focus for regulators, it is important for toy brands and manufacturers to understand how these standards affect product development, material selection, supplier management and testing programmes.
This article explains the background and regulatory timeline of EN 71-15 and EN 71-16, their scope and applicability, the substances they cover, testing methodologies, compliance requirements and the practical actions businesses should take to maintain compliance with the latest EU toy safety standards.
Need to understand how EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 apply to your products? Our toy safety specialists can help you assess applicable requirements, identify testing needs and review your compliance strategy for the EU market. Contact us now.
Since 11 September 2026, both EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 have been applicable now as the harmonised test methods for demonstrating compliance with formamide and specific flame-retardant restrictions under the current Toy Safety Directive. All toy testing programmes and technical files must now reference and use these 2025 editions.
Here is a summary of their background:
EN 71-15:2025, titled ‘Safety of toys – Part 15: Formamide in foam toy materials (content)’, is a newly published standard that establishes a harmonised test method for determining formamide content in foam toy materials.
Formamide is a substance that may be present in foam materials (such as EVA foam) as a residue from the production process. Due to its classification as a substance toxic for reproduction, its presence in toys is strictly controlled.
The standard supports compliance with restrictions set under Appendix C of Annex II of the EU Toy Safety Directive.
If your products contain EVA foam or other foam-based components, Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines offers EN 71-15 testing services to determine formamide content and support compliance with EU toy safety requirements. Contact us now to request EN 71-15 testing.
EN 71-15 applies specifically to:
The standard establishes a two-tier compliance approach based on content and emission:
1. Content Cut-off limit: The primary test is to determine the total formamide content in the foam material. The limit is 200 mg/kg.
2. Emission limit: If the content exceeds 200 mg/kg, the material is then subject to an emission test. The emission of formamide must not exceed 20 µg/m³ after a maximum of 28 days from the start of testing
If a toy's foam material is tested and found to contain 200 mg/kg or less of formamide, the emission testing is not required.
EN 71-16:2025, titled ‘Safety of toys – Part 16: Certain chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants in toy materials’, is a newly published standard that specifies a method for determining three chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants in toy materials: TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP.
Certain organophosphorus flame retardants, used in plastics, textiles, and coatings to reduce flammability, have been identified as posing health risks, including potential carcinogenicity and neurotoxicity. EN 71-16 provides a standardised method to control their presence.
The standard uses solvent extraction followed by instrumental analysis. Its introduction provides a standardised testing approach for these existing restrictions; it does not introduce new chemical limits.
Our laboratories can test toy materials for TCEP, TCPP and TDCP in accordance with EN 71-16:2025, helping you demonstrate compliance and reduce regulatory risk before products reach the market. Contact us for EN 71-16 testing.
EN 71-16 applies to a wide range of toy materials where TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP might be found. The standard is relevant for:
This standard sets a straightforward content limit for three specific flame retardants. The limit for each of the following substances is 5 mg/kg in any single toy material:
If a toy is made of multiple materials, each material must individually comply. If any single component exceeds the 5 mg/kg limit for any of these substances, the entire toy is considered non-compliant.
As toy regulations continue to evolve, reviewing your testing strategy is becoming increasingly important. Eurofins can help evaluate your product portfolio, identify relevant standards and develop a risk-based testing programme tailored to your products. Talk to our toy experts today.
The publication and harmonisation of EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 reflect the broader trend towards stronger chemical safety oversight within the toy industry.
Brands and manufacturers should consider the following actions:
Navigating evolving EU toy standards can be challenging, particularly when new chemical testing requirements are introduced. We support toy brands, manufacturers, importers and retailers with comprehensive testing, inspection and compliance solutions throughout the product lifecycle. Our dedicated team of toy testing experts and timely support allows our clients to successfully navigate changing regulatory and supply chain conditions and be market-ready.
Our toy services include EN 71 series testing, chemical testing, material assessments, regulatory support and technical expertise across international toy markets, including EU and US.
With a global network of accredited laboratories and toy safety specialists, we help businesses identify compliance risks early, streamline product development and demonstrate conformity of major markets.
Whether you need support for EN 71-15, EN 71-16, broader toy chemical testing, or other type of toy testing needs such as physical testing, ASTM toy testing, toy CE marking, CPSIA testing, or Amazon Direct Validation, we can help you bring safer and more compliant toys to market with confidence.
Contact us to discuss your toy testing needs or visit our Toy Testing page for more information.
When did EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 become harmonised standards?
EN 71-15:2025 and EN 71-16:2025 became harmonised standards following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union on 11 September 2026. Their inclusion provides a presumption of conformity with the relevant requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive.
Which toys are affected by EN 71-15 and EN 71-16?
Both EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 primarily apply to toys intended for children under 36 months of age and other toys intended to be placed in the mouth. EN 71-15 specifically applies to foam toy materials, while EN 71-16 applies to toy materials that may contain TCEP, TCPP or TDCP flame retardants.
Which substances are covered by EN 71-15 and EN 71-16?
EN 71-15 specifically targets formamide in foam toy materials.
EN 71-16 covers three specific chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants: TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate), TCPP (Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate), and TDCP (Tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate).
Which materials are commonly tested under EN 71-15?
EN 71-15 is mainly relevant for foam-based toy materials, including EVA foam components found in play mats, foam puzzles, bath toys, soft play products and certain educational toys.
Which materials are commonly tested under EN 71-16?
EN 71-16 may apply to plastics, polymeric materials, coated materials, textiles and other toy components where chlorinated phosphorus flame retardants may be present. It is particularly relevant for products intended for young children.
What should a test report for EN 71-15 and EN 71-16 demonstrate?
A test report from an accredited laboratory should clearly state which standard was used (e.g., EN 71-15:2025).
For EN 71-15, the report should show the formamide content result and state whether it is at or below the 200 mg/kg cut-off. If an emission test was required, that result must also be clearly reported against the 20 µg/m³ limit.
For EN 71-16, it must show the individual concentration for TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP, confirming each is at or below the 5 mg/kg limit.