Creating dolls that meet the CE certification requirements is a meticulous and challenging process, especially in an artisanal production like mine. Whether they are little dolls, reversible dolls, or plush toys, every fabric-made doll or toy in the shop must be tested. From the initial prototype to the final flammability test, each step is essential to ensure the safety and quality of every doll I offer. Today, I want to share in detail how I certify my dolls, a process that allows me to sell them with complete confidence that they are safe for children.
1. Preparing the Prototype and Initial Testing
The process begins with designing and creating a prototype, which is the doll I use for all the tests. It might seem like a quick step, but the prototype is crucial: I often adjust details or even remake parts to ensure it meets safety standards from the outset.
2. Strength Test and Small Parts Test
One of the first tests I perform is the strength and durability test, where I apply a series of pulls and tension tests to make sure that each doll’s seams and parts can withstand regular handling. Specific weights are used: 7.2 kg to test the overall strength of the doll and, if the doll includes small parts like buttons or loose yarn, additional tests are performed with 5.1 kg or 9.2 kg depending on the part’s size. This process also includes a small parts check to ensure that no pieces could detach and pose a choking hazard.
3. The Flammability Test: A Real Challenge
For me, one of the most demanding aspects of certification is the flammability test. Since I have to ignite fabrics and parts of the prototype, I carry out these tests outdoors. However, wind and humidity conditions need to be ideal; any change can alter the results, so I have to wait for the right moment to conduct the test. This test ensures that, in case of contact with a flame, the material does not spread the fire rapidly.
4. Washing and Durability
I also put the dolls through several wash cycles to verify that they retain their integrity after washing. Once dry, I repeat the strength, small parts, and flammability tests. This step ensures that there is no risk of material detachment or changes in seam strength.
5. Chemical Migration Testing and Fabric Certification
To comply with CE standards, I exclusively use fabrics with GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications, which guarantee compliance with safety regulations.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) : certifies that the fabric is made from organic fibres and produced under ethical working conditions, while also meeting strict environmental standards throughout the production process.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 : guarantees that the fabric has been tested to ensure it contains no harmful chemicals, making it safe for human health.
Thanks to these certifications, I can assure that my dolls are safe and free from harmful substances.
6. Documentation and Technical File
The entire testing process is documented in a technical file that I keep both on paper and in digital format. Each file contains detailed descriptions, results of each test, and photos of the prototype. If I modify any aspect of the doll’s design, I create a new prototype, conduct the tests again, and add the results as an annex to the original file.
Since I began certifying my dolls, I feel completely assured when selling them. Having both physical and technical proof that each doll meets safety standards brings me great peace of mind. I believe that confidence is also felt by my customers, who can trust that each doll they bring home is a safe, high-quality product.
At times like Christmas, we’re often reminded to look for toys with the CE mark, yet I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I went through this process myself. I wanted to share this process in case anyone is curious.
I also want to make it clear that this post refers specifically to fabric soft toys, as different regulations apply to other types of toys.
Handmade toys, even without formal certification, are often very safe because each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail. For me, CE certification is a way to guarantee that safety and to give my customers extra peace of mind, especially with something as important in a child’s life as what could become their first cuddly toy.