In addition to plush toys, what other toys may be at risk of excessive formaldehyde?
Soft Clay Toys: Soft clay toys, encompassing varieties such as crystal clay, plasticine, and soft clay, are characterized by their vivid colors and high malleability. These attributes make them particularly popular among children aged 3 to 10 years. However, concerns have been raised regarding the formaldehyde content in some soft clay products, with instances of it significantly exceeding acceptable standards.
For instance, in Germany, known for its stringent industry standards, tests conducted on 12 models of plasticine revealed formaldehyde presence in two of them. The rate of detection is speculated to be higher in China. In a specific experiment, clay was heated to 36.5 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes, leading to formaldehyde concentrations exceeding the standard value by more than fourfold.
Moreover, experts have pointed out that toys such as soft clay may also contain boron, a toxic substance. According to random inspections by regulatory authorities, the rate of exceedance for boron content is alarmingly high at 76%.
Wooden Toys: Wooden toys, such as building blocks, are preferred by many parents for their perceived natural and eco-friendly attributes. However, these toys are also notable for their significant formaldehyde emissions.
Tests have shown that many wooden toys contain hazardous substances such as flame retardants, aromatic hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde.The production process of wooden toys often involves the use of urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive, with formaldehyde as a primary ingredient."
Furthermore, the complexity of a wooden toy is positively correlated with the likelihood of it containing harmful substances like formaldehyde.
Chinese Domestic Requirements
Currently, the safety standards for plush toys in China do not encompass formaldehyde and bacterial content, lacking mandatory standards in this regard. However, the "GB 18401-2010 National Basic Safety Technical Specifications for Textile Products," which came into effect on January 1, 2005, mandates that the formaldehyde content in textiles for infants should not exceed 20 mg/kg. For textiles in direct contact with the skin, such as pajamas, socks, bedsheets, and quilt covers, the formaldehyde content should not surpass 75 mg/kg.
Foreign Requirements
As of May 20, 2021, the European Union Directive 2019/1929/EU has been implemented, introducing formaldehyde requirements for toys intended for children under 3 years old and functional entrance toys. The stipulations are as follows:
Polymer material: 1.5 mg/L (formaldehyde migration amount)
Resin-bonded wood material: 0.1 mL/m³ (formaldehyde release)
Textile materials: 30 mg/kg (formaldehyde content)
Leather material: 30 mg/kg (formaldehyde content)
Paper material: 30 mg/kg (formaldehyde content)
Water-based materials: 10 mg/kg (formaldehyde content)
It is worth noting that the requirements for formaldehyde in the UK Toy Regulations align with those outlined in the European Directive (EU) 2019/1929.
Our Service
As a major exporter of toys, our country primarily targets the European market, with toy exports to this region constitute approximately 40% of our annual toy exports. It is crucial for exporters of plush toys to ensure that they have the requisite toy testing reports. Additionally, certifications are necessary for sales on e-commerce platforms. For instance, Amazon mandates that children's toys sold on its platform must have certification approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
HQTS-QAI advises relevant companies to adhere to applicable national and regional laws, regulations, and technical standards. Conducting supply chain investigations, maintaining product quality inspection, ensuring product compliance and safety, and mitigating the risk of product violations are essential steps in this process.
The HQTS-QAI laboratory boasts a professional testing technology team, proficient in various relevant regulations and standards. Equipped with advanced instruments and equipment, our laboratory is capable of conducting comprehensive testing of toy products, including, but not limited to:
- Formaldehyde Testing
- Soluble Heavy Metal Content Testing
- Flammability Testing
- Phthalates Content Testing
- Plasticizer Testing
- AZO Dye Testing