ASTM F963 vs EN71: Which Plush Toy Safety Standard Do You Need?

If you are producing custom plush toys for commercial sale — whether in the United States, the European Union, or both — understanding toy safety certification is non-negotiable. The two major standards you will encounter are ASTM F963 (used in the US) and EN71 (used in the EU and UK). Here is what each requires and how to make sure your order is compliant.

What Is ASTM F963?

ASTM F963 is the American standard for toy safety, maintained by ASTM International and mandated by the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). For plush toys, the key requirements under ASTM F963 include:

• Flammability: Fabric surfaces must not ignite or spread flame rapidly.
• Small parts: Any components that could detach and be swallowed must meet size requirements for toys intended for children under 3.
• Seam strength: Stitching must withstand pull forces without separation.
• Chemical limits: Materials must comply with limits on lead, phthalates, and other hazardous substances.

US retailers typically require a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) and test reports from a CPSC-accredited laboratory like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.

What Is EN71?

EN71 is the European toy safety directive, required for the CE marking that allows toys to be sold in EU member states and the UK. EN71 is divided into parts:

• EN71-1: Mechanical and physical properties (seam strength, small parts, shape stability).
• EN71-2: Flammability.
• EN71-3: Migration of certain chemical elements (heavy metals in surface coatings).
• EN71-9: Chemical and organic chemical compounds (for newer requirements).

Key Differences Between the Two Standards

Both standards cover similar ground but differ in specific test methods and thresholds. EN71-3 chemical limits are generally stricter for some elements, while ASTM's phthalate limits under CPSIA are particularly stringent. If you are selling in both markets, you will typically need separate test reports for each standard — though materials compliant with one often pass the other.

How JollyAnime Handles Compliance

Our manufacturing partner in Guangzhou, China uses pre-qualified materials that meet both ASTM F963 and EN71 requirements as a baseline. For orders where certification is required, we coordinate testing through accredited third-party laboratories and provide you with the full test reports. Simply let us know your target market when requesting a quote.

Get Certified Plush for Your Market

Do not leave compliance to chance. Request a free quote and specify your sales markets — we will ensure your plush toys meet every required standard before they ship.