TÜV Rheinland celebrates seven decades of toy testing

TSUEN WAN, Hong Kong - June 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Toy developments influence standards

Since 1955, experts have been working to ensure that toys are safe and harmless for children.  In the 1950s, consumer tests already common in the USA sparked demand in the expanding Western European markets for qualified, neutral product evaluations.

In the 1970s, systematic testing procedures for physical and mechanical properties were introduced, along with the first standards (DIN 66070-1/-2). The 1980s brought new standards for electric toys with DIN 57700-210, while in the 1990s, the focus was on chemical safety and the harmonization of European standards. In the 2000s, TÜV Rheinland responded to the increasing prevalence of electronic and battery-operated toys with adapted testing methods - including safety assessments for swallowable magnets, which were regulated in EN 71-1 in 2009.

Current focus: Cybersecurity and chemical testing

Topics such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are now also dominating toys. Smart toys are connected to the internet and could potentially be gateways for cyber criminals. The EU has already responded by developing corresponding regulations. On August 1, 2025, new security requirements under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) will come into effect, applicable to all internet-enabled products. These regulations aim to significantly enhance the protection level of such devices.

In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals", have garnered increased attention. The industry uses PFAS to make surfaces dirt-repellent, waterproof or grease-repellent, for instance in plush toys, making them easier to clean. PFAS degrade very slowly and are suspected of being harmful to the environment and health. With a digital product passport for toys and the toy safety regulations (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex...) adopted in April 2025, the EU wants to ensure compliance with these requirements. TÜV Rheinland offers companies the opportunity to safeguard their products and supply chains accordingly, promoting a more environmentally friendly and sustainable production.

A Trusted Partner in the World's Toy Manufacturing Powerhouse

As global toy production shifted to Asia, Hong Kong and China emerged as industry strongholds, now accounting for over 70% of the world's toy output. TÜV Rheinland acted early, establishing a comprehensive testing network across Greater China to support manufacturers aiming to export to regulated markets. The first TÜV Rheinland toy lab in Hong Kong was established in the 1990s, followed by key facilities in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ningbo and Qingdao

TÜV Rheinland: A Global Leader in Toy Safety Testing (https://www.tuv.com/world/en/toy-testing.html)

Today, TÜV Rheinland tests over 40,000 toy samples annually across its global laboratory network. From classic toys to IoT-enabled devices, the company continues to set the benchmark for independent, science-based product evaluation.