Ensuring compliance for stationery and crafts

Toxicity and chemical safety

Testing for heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints, markers, adhesives, and more.

Performance and durability testing

Assessing ink flow, paper strength, erasability, adhesion, and resistance to fading or smudging for long-lasting usability.

Child-safe and eco-friendly compliance

Ensuring non-toxic, sustainable materials that meet EN 71 toy safety standards and other regulatory benchmarks.

Protecting consumers from harmful chemical exposure

Our expert testing services help manufacturers verify material safety, improve durability, and meet international compliance standards for school, office, and professional art supplies.

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Comprehensive testing services for stationery, arts, and crafts materials

We provide specialised testing for all stationery and art materials, from school supplies to fine art products:

Chemical and toxicology testing: 

  • Heavy metal testing (EN 71-3, REACH, CPSIA): Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic detection in inks, paints, and colored pencils
  • Phthalates and plasticisers testing (CPSIA, Prop 65): Ensuring safety in plastic-based products like erasers, binders, and rulers
  • Formaldehyde and VOC testing: Evaluating emissions in glues, paints, and laminates
  • Allergen and skin sensitivity testing: Assessing watercolors, face paints, and other direct-contact materials

Performance and physical testing:

  • Abrasion and smudge resistance testing (ISO 1518): Ensuring ink, paint, and graphite withstand handling and wear
  • Lightfastness and color stability testing (ISO 105-B02, AATCC 16.3): Preventing color fading in markers, highlighters, and paints
  • Paper strength and erasability testing (ISO 1924, TAPPI T-494): Testing durability of notebooks, sketchpads, and drawing papers
  • Adhesive and glue bond strength testing (ASTM D 1002): Evaluating effectiveness of tapes, stickers, and glues

Regulatory compliance testing:

  • EN 71 (Toy Safety): Mandatory for children’s art supplies like crayons, colored pencils, and modeling clay
  • ASTM D-4236: U.S. labelling and safety requirements for art material,
  • Formaldehyde and VOC testing: Evaluating emissions in glues, paints, and laminates
  • REACH (EC 1907/2006): Compliance with European chemical safety laws
  • CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): Strict limits on lead and phthalates in children’s products
  • California Proposition 65: Screening for toxic chemicals in stationery and art materials
  • LHAMA (Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act): Ensuring proper labelling and safety warnings for art materials in the U.S., protecting consumers from hazardous chemicals in art supplies

What sets Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines apart?

Board-certified toxicologists

Extensive experience in the field of toxicological risk assessment, allowing us to provide a range of services related to risk and hazard assessment in accordance with relevant laws.

Fast and reliable results

Accelerating product development with rapid turnaround times and certification support. 

Customised testing solutions

Tailored evaluations to meet specific product requirements, from professional-grade art tools to child-safe craft supplies.