I. Certification requirements for major international markets
- EU market
CE certification: mandatory certification, must comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) and the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC)
EN71 standard: Toy safety standard (Parts 1-3)
REACH Regulation: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals
Food Contact Materials Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004: Applicable to baby bottles, tableware, etc.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Testing for hazardous substances in textiles (not mandatory but recommended)
- US market
CPSC certification: Consumer Product Safety Commission supervision, must comply with 16 CFR standards
ASTM F963: Toy safety standard
FDA certification: Food contact materials (such as baby bottles, tableware) must comply with 21 CFR standard
CPSIA: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, lead and phthalate restrictions
JPMA certification: voluntary certification of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (such as strollers, safety seats)
- Japanese market
ST Mark certification: toy safety standard
Food Sanitation Law: Applicable to food contact products
PSC mark: specific product safety certification
- Australia/New Zealand market
AS/NZS ISO 8124: Toy safety standard
ACCC supervision: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission requirements
II. Special requirements for product classification
- Baby food contact products
EU: Comply with (EC) No 1935/2004, specific migration limit (SML)
USA: FDA 21 CFR 170-189
China: GB 4806 National Food Safety Standard
- Baby textiles
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Class I (for babies only)
EU: Banned azo dyes (2002/61/EC)
USA: Flammability standards (16 CFR 1610)
- Baby care products
Electric heating products: need to comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements
Cleaning products: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
- Children’s toys
Small parts warning: Applicable to products for children under 3 years old
Magnetic requirements: ASTM F963 and EN71-1 have special provisions
III. Compliance process suggestions
Product classification: clarify the category to which the product belongs and the applicable regulations
Standard identification: determine all applicable standards for the target market
Test preparation:
Select an accredited laboratory (such as SGS, TÜV, Intertek)
Prepare enough samples
Document preparation:
Technical documents (including design drawings, bill of materials)
Risk assessment report
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Certification application: submit an application to a designated agency
Label review: ensure compliance with the labeling requirements of the target market
Continuous compliance: establish a change management and market supervision system
IV. Common challenges and solutions
Multi-country regulatory differences: establish a product compliance matrix, country by country Comparison requirements
Material compliance: Establish a list of qualified suppliers and require material compliance certificates
Standard updates: Subscribe to standard update services and regularly review product compliance
Cross-border e-commerce: Platform-specific requirements (such as Amazon CPC certificates)
Cost control: Rationally plan the certification sequence and use mutual recognition agreements
V. Latest trends
Sustainable development requirements: EU Green New Deal affects product design
Digital Product Passport (DPP): The EU’s upcoming digital labeling system
Microplastic restrictions: The EU has imposed restrictions on microplastics in certain products
PFAS restrictions: Stricter control of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances
It is recommended to consult a professional certification body before exporting to obtain the latest compliance advice for specific products and target markets. Different product categories (such as toys, textiles, and food contact materials) may have additional special requirements.