Everything You Should Know About Custom Plush Toys Certifications and Labelling

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Are you looking to start your own toy business?
Whether planning to retail or offer promotional
giveaway custom plush toys, ensuring they meet
safety standards is crucial. Plush toys
certification standards vary across regions. We
have different regulations in the United States,
Canada, and the European Union. Here is our guide
on custom plush toy certifications and labeling
to help you navigate this essential aspect of toy
production. Retail vs. Promotional Plush
Toys Firstly, determine whether your custom plush
toys are for retail or promotional giveaways, as
standards for manufacturing and testing differ
significantly. Retail plushies require certified
tests, whereas promotional plushies may not need
the same level of certification. Toy safety
standards tests should meet international
regulations. Remember, the importer is ultimately
responsible for checking the legislation in their
own country and ensuring compliance. While
companies like EverLighten can help you pass all
necessary tests, you need to investigate the
import rules for your specific country before
proceeding with production. Plush Toys
Certifications and Labelling Plush Toys
certification standards vary from region to
region. For example, the standards in the EU
differ from those in the United States.
Generally, some basic tests in laboratories
should be conducted to ensure safety and
compliance. Different Custom Plush Toys
Certifications for the USA, Canada, and EU
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• USA
• In the United States, custom plush toys must
  comply with ASTM (American Society for Testing
  and Materials) standards and CPSIA (Consumer
  Product Safety Improvement Act) regulations. The
  required tests include
• Mechanical/Physical Testing ASTM F963-1
• Flammability Testing ASTM F963-2
• Chemical Testing (8 kinds of heavy metal) ASTM
  F963-3
• Lead and Phthalates Test CPSIA
• Labeling Test CPSIA
• Canada
• Canadian toy standards are regulated by the CCPSA
  (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act), requiring
• Physical and Mechanical Testing CCPSA SOR
  2011-17-1
• Combustion Testing CCPSA SOR 2011-17-2
• Chemical Testing (5 kinds of heavy metals) CCPSA
  SOR 2011-17-3
• Lead and Mercury Testing CCPSA
• European Union
• In the EU, toy safety is regulated by the EN71
  standards. After passing these tests, plush toys
  can obtain the CE mark, signifying compliance
  with European health, safety, and environmental
  standards. The required tests include
• Physical and Institutional Performance EN71-1
• Combustion Performance EN71-2
• Chemical Performance (19 kinds of heavy metals)
  EN71-3 It is vital for plush toys to bear a CE
  mark when sold in the EU, as it symbolizes
  adherence to stringent safety standards.
  Understanding Testing Costs
• Testing costs will depend on the number of
  different materials and colors used in your plush
  toy. The laboratory will cut pieces of each
  material and test them according to parameters
  such as heavy metals and flammability. Note that
  certain elements, like embroidery (e.g., eyes and
  mouth lines), do not require testing.

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• prototype is then sent to an authorized
  laboratory, which quotes the certification costs
  accordingly.
• EverLightens factory uses high-quality materials
  guaranteed to pass all custom plush toy
  certifications.
• Labeling Custom Plush Toys Essential Guidelines
• After testing, designing labels is the next step
  before commencing production. Labeling rules vary
  depending on the country where the toys will be
  sold. Here are key points to include on your
  plush toy labels
• Clients logo
• Website
• Origin (e.g., Made in China Province for some
  countries)
• Date of Production
• Production Number (Invoice)
• Composition
• Mark All new materials
• Name and address of importer or distributor
• Washing instructions (e.g., Hand wash only, Do
  not iron, Dry clean)
• Age mark (e.g., 3, 0)
• List of certifications obtained
• Ensuring that your labels meet these guidelines
  will help maintain compliance with regional
  regulations and improve consumer trust.
  Frequently Asked Questions
• How does the environmental impact compare among
  different materials used for custom plush toys?
• The environmental impact varies significantly
  between natural and synthetic materials. Natural
  fibers like cotton and wool are often more
  sustainable but may have drawbacks such as higher
  water usage during production. Synthetic
  materials like polyester and nylon might be less
  eco-friendly due to their production processes
  and non-biodegradable nature.
• Can I mix and match materials within a single
  order, and if so, how does it affect pricing and
  production time?

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Are there specific care instructions to ensure
the longevity of custom plush toys made from
different materials? Care instructions typically
depend on the material composition. Generally,
washing in cool water and air-drying helps
maintain the condition of plush toys. However,
specific guidelines can vary by material type,
and its essential to provide detailed care
instructions to consumers. Conclusion Ensuring
that your custom plush toys meet regional
certification standards is crucial for compliance
and consumer safety. By understanding the
different standards in the USA, Canada, and the
EU, you can better navigate the certification
process. Proper labeling further ensures
compliance and enhances consumer trust. If you're
looking to produce high-quality custom plush
toys, EverLighten is here to help. With our
extensive experience in product design, sourcing,
and manufacturing, we can assist you with every
step of the process, from initial prototyping to
obtaining necessary certifications. Our
commitment to quality ensures that your plush
toys will meet all safety standards and delight
your customers. Contact EverLighten today to
start your journey in producing safe, compliant,
and high-quality custom plush toys.