Contents
What we source
- Plastic toys and figures.
- Plush toys.
- Wooden toys.
- Board games and puzzles.
- Craft kits: beads, paint, modelling dough.
- Party supplies.
Where toys are made in China
Chenghai, in Shantou, Guangdong, is considered China's toy capital, especially for plastic toys. Dongguan makes more complex toys, including for major brands. Yunhe, in Zhejiang, specialises in wooden toys, and Yiwu in small toys, party supplies and crafts.
Toy safety: what is mandatory
- Toy Safety Directive: any product designed for children under 14 must comply, with technical documentation and an EU declaration of conformity.
- EN 71 testing: mechanical and physical properties (EN 71-1), flammability (EN 71-2), migration of certain elements (EN 71-3), and other parts depending on the toy, such as EN 71-7 for finger paints.
- Electric toys: EN IEC 62115 on top.
- CE marking and warnings: age grading, warnings, name and address of the manufacturer and importer, batch number.
- Doughs and slimes: boron content is limited and a frequent cause of non-compliance.
- Producer responsibility: in France, toys fall under an EPR scheme (Ecomaison).
A new EU Toy Safety Regulation has been adopted: it will replace the directive over the coming years, with stricter rules on chemicals and a digital product passport.
What we check
| Checkpoint | What we verify |
|---|---|
| Small parts | No detachable swallowable parts for under-3s |
| Edges and points | No sharp edges or dangerous points |
| Plush toys | Strong seams, eyes and nose firmly attached |
| Materials and paints | Match with EN 71-3 test reports |
| Batteries and magnets | Screw-secured battery compartment, compliant magnets |
| Markings | CE, age, warnings, importer address, batch |
How we work
A free first call to understand your project; a sourcing study with scope and price set in writing; then negotiation, samples, production follow-up, pre-shipment inspection, freight and customs clearance to your door.
Frequently asked questions
No. You need a recent EN 71 test report from an accredited laboratory covering your exact model. The importer answers for the toy's compliance.
It depends on the mould, colours and packaging. Customising an existing toy takes far less than a full development.
Yes, with accredited laboratories in China, on production samples, before shipping.
Yes, as soon as they are intended for children: they must meet toy regulations and the relevant parts of EN 71.