CE, EN 71 and 'not for children under 3 years': how to read toy packaging
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
What the CE marking does and doesn't mean, why the warning for children under 3 years old is there, and what to look for in toys and party supplies.
The back of a toy box often contains more information than the front: two letters, a standard with a number, an age in a circle, and a sentence about small parts. Most people only read "6+" and head to the checkout. However, that number is the least precise piece of information among everything listed. Below, you'll find what the symbols actually mean—and what to look out for when buying toys or party favors for a children's party, a classroom, or a goodie bag.
CE: a manufacturer's declaration, not a prior inspection
CE stands for Conformité Européenne. According to the government information site Waarzitwatin, this mark indicates that the producer declares the toy complies with European legislation—in this case, the European Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. All toys sold in the Netherlands and the EU must bear this mark.
Important to know: CE is not a quality mark granted by an independent body after a test. It is a declaration by the manufacturer or importer themselves that the product complies with the rules. In practice, this largely works well within the EU because the party placing the product on the market is liable, and the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) conducts checks. Outside the EU, different rules apply; the same site therefore advises buying online from webshops within the EU. Waarzitwatin also warns against a lookalike logo ("China Export") where the letters are closer together than in the genuine CE mark.
"Not suitable for children under 3 years"
This is the warning you encounter most often, usually with a pictogram of a crossed-out child's face. The NVWA explains that manufacturers place this warning for small parts, long cords, sharp edges, holes or openings, and magnets. The associated dangers include choking, suffocation, and entanglement. Toys intended for children under 3 years must meet stricter safety requirements.
The NVWA notes something buyers should be aware of: manufacturers sometimes use this warning incorrectly, possibly to avoid stricter tests. In other words, the indication is a reason to look more closely, not to blindly rely on it. If there is a small loose part, it remains a small loose part—regardless of whether it says 3+, 6+, or nothing at all.
What to specifically check in the store or webshop
What to look for
Why
CE mark on product or packaging
Mandatory within the EU; if missing, do not buy
Name and address of manufacturer or importer
Without an accountable party, there's no one to fall back on
Age indication and warning text
The number alone says little; the text states the real risk
Loose small parts, cords longer than a hand's width, magnets
The three classic risks for young children
Battery compartment with screw
Button cells should be behind a compartment a child cannot easily open
Dutch user manual and warnings
Indicates a product intended for this market
Party supplies are not automatically toys
This is where things most often go wrong in practice. A packet of balloons, a nose mask, or a set of pins are used just as much at a children's party as a building set, but do not always fall into the same category. Balloons are the most famous example: latex balloon packaging usually carries a warning about adult supervision and broken balloons, precisely because loose pieces pose a choking hazard. Also, a set of Costume Nose Masks (€4.95) or LED Balloons 5 pieces (€2.95) are intended for a supervised party, not as toys for a toddler playing alone in a playpen.
Practical rule of thumb for a children's party: the younger the guests, the fewer loose small parts you hand out. For the very youngest, it's better to choose something that consists of one piece.
Examples from our assortment, with the age stated on the box
Below, we only include what is stated on the packaging or product page—always check the box yourself upon receipt, as manufacturers sometimes adjust specifications.
Bubble Gun Rocket Bubble Gun (€19.95): battery-operated—check if the battery compartment can be closed and if batteries are included.
Reusable Water Balls (€16.00): outdoor toy that you refill repeatedly. For this type of product, check how the balls close—a closure that can come loose is the part to watch out for with young children.
If you suspect a product is unsafe, you can report it to the NVWA; they oversee product safety and remove products from the market if necessary. In such a case, keep the packaging: it contains the type number and the importer's details that make such a report useful. For products you bought from us, you should, of course, inform us first: send an email with a photo of the item and its packaging, and we will address it.
Looking for something specific? Check Toys, Games, Building & Construction, or Party Supplies. If you're unsure whether something is suitable for the age group you're buying it for, or if you want to know exactly what's on the packaging of an item? Email info@verpakkingdeals.nl—we'll check the box for you before you order.
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