How Factories Perform EN71 and ASTM Safety Testing

For manufacturers producing pencils, art supplies, and children’s products, safety compliance isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a foundation of consumer trust and market access. Whether you’re exporting EN71 pencils to Europe or ensuring ASTM D4236 compliance in the U.S., understanding how factories navigate these safety standards is essential to success in global markets.

This article offers a deep dive into how factories perform EN71 and ASTM safety testing, focusing on the real-world processes, technical requirements, and strategic considerations that shape compliant manufacturing. Whether you’re an OEM supplier, brand owner, or product developer, this guide will help you grasp the full scope of international toy and stationery safety testing.

Why EN71 and ASTM Safety Testing Matter

Safety testing ensures that products designed for children—like colored pencils, crayons, and toys—do not pose chemical, mechanical, or flammability risks. The European Union and the United States have distinct but overlapping testing frameworks:

• EN71 – The European standard under the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC), required for all toys sold in the EU.
• ASTM F963 and D4236 – U.S. standards that apply to toys and art materials, respectively. ASTM D4236 specifically mandates labeling for chronic health hazards in art products.

For pencils and art supplies, compliance with both sets of standards is often necessary to access global markets. Factories must therefore integrate these tests into their quality assurance and product development pipelines.

Step-by-Step: How Factories Conduct EN71 Safety Testing

EN71 is a multi-part standard. Each part addresses different safety aspects. Factories typically work with third-party labs to perform these tests, but internal pre-testing and design compliance are also crucial. Here’s how the process unfolds:

1. Product Assessment and Preparation

Before formal testing, factories must understand the product’s composition, intended age group, and usage scenario. For example, colored pencils marketed to children under 3 years old face stricter requirements due to choking hazards. This early assessment helps determine which EN71 parts apply.

According to Eurofins, a comprehensive toy safety assessment includes:

• Identifying applicable legislation and standards.
• Evaluating product-specific hazards not fully covered by regulations.
• Documenting materials and manufacturing processes.

This proactive approach helps minimize costly redesigns after lab testing.

2. EN71 Testing Categories in Detail

EN71 is divided into several parts, but the most relevant for pencils and art supplies include:

According to QIMA, these tests are designed to simulate real-world usage—biting, dropping, chewing—to ensure child safety under normal and foreseeable misuse conditions.

3. Working with Accredited Labs

Factories typically partner with certified labs like Intertek, SGS, or TÜV for EN71 testing. The lab process involves:

• Submitting product samples along with technical documentation.
• Reviewing labeling and age grading.
• Conducting tests under controlled conditions.
• Issuing a test report and certificate of conformity (if passed).

As noted by Compliance Gate, budgeting for EN71 testing is essential. Costs can range from €500 to €2,000 per product, depending on complexity and material diversity. Planning ahead avoids delays in market launch.

4. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Factories often encounter issues such as:

• Incorrect labeling or age grading.
• Non-compliant raw materials (e.g., pigment with high lead content).
• Inadequate documentation for traceability.

To mitigate these risks, manufacturers should incorporate safety reviews during the design phase and conduct pre-compliance testing before mass production. This aligns with HB Compliance’s emphasis on integrating mechanical safety into early development stages (source).

Understanding ASTM D4236 Compliance for Art Supplies

In the United States, art materials—including colored pencils, paints, and markers—must comply with ASTM D4236. This standard is enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ensures that chronic health hazards are properly labeled.

1. What ASTM D4236 Covers

Unlike EN71, ASTM D4236 focuses on toxicological review rather than mechanical or flammability aspects. It requires that:

• All potentially hazardous ingredients be reviewed by a board-certified toxicologist.
• Products containing chronic hazards (e.g., carcinogens, mutagens) carry appropriate warning labels.
• Products safe for use by children be labeled “Conforms to ASTM D4236.”

This labeling is mandatory for all art materials sold in the U.S., including imported goods. Failure to comply can lead to product recalls or import detentions.

2. How Factories Ensure ASTM Compliance

To meet ASTM D4236 requirements, factories must:

• Disclose full ingredient lists to a certified toxicologist.
• Use compliant raw materials from vetted suppliers.
• Apply correct labeling, including precautionary statements if needed.

Testing can be arranged through organizations like ACMI (Art and Creative Materials Institute), which offers the “AP” (Approved Product) seal for non-toxic items. This is particularly important for school supplies and children’s art kits.

3. Dual Compliance: EN71 and ASTM

For global brands, achieving both EN71 and ASTM D4236 compliance is a strategic necessity. According to API, harmonizing compliance across regions allows manufacturers to streamline production, reduce rework, and accelerate time to market.

However, dual compliance means factories must manage overlapping but distinct requirements. For example:

• EN71-3 tests for heavy metal migration; ASTM D4236 requires toxicologist review of the same metals.
• EN71-2 mandates flammability testing; ASTM F963 (not D4236) includes similar checks.

Coordinating these tests under a unified compliance strategy saves time and avoids redundant sampling.

Flammability and Physical Safety: Testing in Practice

Flammability is a critical concern for both EN71 and ASTM F963. According to Testcoo, flammability testing involves exposing the product to an open flame for a specified time and measuring the burning rate or spread.

For pencils, the wood casing, lacquer, and eraser must not ignite easily or support combustion. Factories must ensure that coatings are flame-retardant and that no flammable solvents are used in finishing processes.

Integrating Safety Testing into the Manufacturing Workflow

Compliance is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous process that must be embedded into the factory’s quality management system. Best practices include:

• Supplier audits to verify raw material safety.
• In-line QC checks for mechanical properties (e.g., tip strength, break resistance).
• Batch testing for chemical compliance before shipment.

For OEM pencil manufacturers, offering clients pre-certified products with EN71 and ASTM labels can be a major competitive advantage. It reduces downstream testing costs for brands and speeds up market entry.

Conclusion: Safety Compliance as a Strategic Imperative

Whether you’re manufacturing colored pencils, toys, or art kits, understanding how factories perform EN71 and ASTM safety testing is vital. These standards are more than regulatory hurdles—they’re frameworks for building safer, more trustworthy products.

By proactively integrating compliance into product design, sourcing, and quality control, manufacturers can avoid costly recalls, meet international market requirements, and deliver peace of mind to consumers and retailers alike.

For further guidance, explore these industry references:

• Compliance Gate: EN71 Toy Safety Lab Testing
• API: Complying with EN71 and ASTM F963
• Eurofins: Toy Safety Assessment Methodology

Compliance isn’t just about passing tests—it’s about building a brand that parents, educators, and children can trust.