Toy Safety

Upholding & Prioritising Premier Toy Safety Standards

The well-being and safety of children are paramount, particularly within the vibrant world of toys. At House of Marbles, we understand that our role as a manufacturer, importer and retailer goes beyond mere entertainment; it revolves around ensuring safety. This is not a responsibility we take lightly. We pride ourselves on consistently meeting or surpassing the highest toy safety standards, offering products that deliver joy and peace of mind.

Our commitment is deeply entrenched in our systematic approach to safety. Here’s a comprehensive glimpse into the rigorous safety technical documentation we employ for our toy products, underlining our unyielding commitment to compliance:

Risk Assessment: Far from a mere procedural step, we use an analytical approach to identify and mitigate potential hazards. Every toy’s design and function prioritise child safety.

Bill of Materials: Every component, every material and every tiny detail is listed. It testifies to our commitment to transparency, as we let everyone know what our toys are made of.

Test Report: Our evidence, a proud testament, that every toy we create aligns with established safety standards.

We ensure that toys marketed within the European Union and the United Kingdom come equipped with the EU Declaration of Conformity. It is not just a piece of paper but a solid affirmation of our compliance with the intricacies of European Union standards. Similarly, our toys destined for the United States have the Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), our pledge to adhere to the rigorous standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Interestingly, these guidelines align with the AS/NZS ISO 8124 toy safety standards of Australia and New Zealand, showcasing our safety protocols’ global appeal and acceptance.

We undertake a more detailed analysis for certain products, such as modelling clays. We generate a comprehensive bill of substances, ensuring that even the minutest components undergo meticulous scrutiny. This is achieved in close collaboration with a trusted safety consultant who employs a globally accredited third-party entity for validation.

Our toys proudly comply with the EN 71 standard, a renowned European benchmark for toy safety. This standard is exhaustive, covering all aspects: from the toy’s physical attributes and chemical composition to its flammability. As a testament to our commitment, you will find all the correct labels and warnings on our toys. Conformity to EN 71 allows us to display the CE mark, a globally recognised emblem of premier safety standards for the European market. Our dedication is equally rigorous for our American audience, aligning with ASTM F963, a hallmark in US toy safety.

We also include our electrical toys. They champion the EN 62115 European standards, a meticulous set of rules dedicated to the safety of electronic components in toys, thereby fusing fun with protection.

Furthermore, our dedication to transparency shines through our traceability efforts. Each batch of toys we produce carries a unique batch number. Every product, even those with multiple components like our renowned Tub of Marbles, undergoes rigorous, component-wise testing.

The world of toy safety is dynamic, with rules and standards constantly evolving. We not only keep up but strive to be ahead. Our dedicated Buying and Sourcing Manager, supported by a team of experts, collaborates intensively with trading standards, reinforcing our commitment to pioneering safety standards. Moreover, our esteemed relationship with the Primary Authority Partnership, a formal UK initiative allowing businesses to partner with a designated local authority, underscores our dedication to ensuring stringent compliance. This partnership provides us with consistent and authoritative advice on regulatory compliance.

We are guided by an esteemed Chartered Scientist certified by the European Society of Toxicology (EUROTOX) to reinforce our commitment further. This distinguished individual is not only a significant committee member who contributed to formulating the EN71 guidelines but is also a registered European Toxicologist. His profound expertise ensures that every toy we craft exemplifies safety and aligns with the highest standards in the industry.

While our passion lies in crafting delightful toys, our soul is dedicated to ensuring safety. We have a stringent internal policy: any toy that doesn’t meet our exacting safety standards, regardless of its allure, will never see the light of the market. While some toys may never reach the market, our foremost priority remains the joy and safety of the children.