EU notified bodies - Protocol for microwavable toys
During the EC-Expert Group meeting on 23 May 2014 (EXP-2014-037-rev2) the following was concluded:
”Microwavable warmers in the form of plush animals and similar articles are to be classed as toys and are within the scope of Directive 2009/48/EC.“
In order to harmonise the assessment of microwavable toys, the NB-Toys group has developed this protocol.
How to test microwavable toys?
The follow requirements need to be tested:
1. Heating according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- After heating, no smoke, flame or smoldering is observed.
- The surface temperature does not exceed 75ºC at any point.
2. Resistance to pressure
- A toy or it’s inner casing containing gel or liquid material shall be tested according to clause 5.2.2 of BS 8433 before and after the overheating tests described in 3.
3. Resistance to overheating
Heat the sample according to the following conditions. These conditions should be created in separate tests using a new sample for each test:
- Heat the toy equal to twice the time recommended by the manufacturer in accordance with the instructions.
- Adjust the power of the oven to 1000W and select the time as indicated by the manufacturer. Within one minute after heating remove the sample from the microwave oven.
Measure the temperature of the outer cover (if the inner casing is not removable) or the temperature of the cover of the inner casing (if the inner casing is removable) and check that:
- The surface temperature does not exceed 90ºC at any point.
- No smoke is observed.
- No flame or smoldering is observed.
4. Heating cycles
One heating cycle is defined as: Heating according to manufacturers’ instructions for the duration and with power adjusted to 1000W, followed by a rest time of (30±1) seconds out of the microwave oven. Carry out five heating cycles consecutively.
Within one minute remove the sample from the microwave oven and check:
- No flame or smoldering is observed.
- No smoke is observed.
5. Warnings and instructions for use
In addition to any warnings required by Directive 2009/48 / EC and EN 71-1 warnings based on the BS 8433 standard are required.
New California Proposition 65 Settlements
Businesses that expose individuals to listed chemicals,
or discharge listed chemicals, must provide a clear and reasonable warning.
The recent finalized settlements involve below products:
| Product | Requirement. |
|---|---|
| Baskets | - No more than 100ppm total lead AND - No more than 1.0ug lead in Ghost wipe - Warning labels cannot be used as an alternative |
| First aid kit cases |
- No more than 1000ppm DEHP - Warning labels cannot be used as an alternative |
| Folding bed | - No more than 1000ppm each of DEHP and DBP |
| Greeting cards | - No more than 1000ppm DEHP - Warning labels cannot be used as an alternative |
| Inflatable vinyl toys and swim rings | - No more than 1000ppm DEHP |
| Polycarbonate drinkware | - No more than 1000ppm Bisphenol A (BPA) |
| USB extension cords, keyboards and folios | - No more than 1000ppm DINP |
| Upholstered furniture | - No more than 1000ppm each of DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIDP, DINP and DnHP - Warning labels cannot be used as an alternative |
| Walking Sticks | - No more than 1000ppm DEHP - No more than 90ppm Lead |