MIDDLE EAST TESTING SERVICES W.L.L QATAR
MIDDLE EAST TESTING SERVICES W.L.L QATAR
TOYS TEST
Comprehensive Toy Testing Services for Global and GCC Compliance
Toys Test is a critical process that ensures every toy sold or imported meets international and regional safety standards. At METS Lab, we perform ISO/IEC 17025-accredited toys testing as per EN 71, ASTM F963, ISO 8124, and GSO BD-142004-01 to guarantee that toys are mechanically safe, chemically non-toxic, and compliant with Gulf regulations.
Our toys test laboratory helps manufacturers, importers, and retailers verify that their toys are child-safe, durable, and market-approved under the Gulf Technical Regulation for Toy Safety.
1. Significance of Toys Testing
The toys test protects children by preventing hazards such as choking, toxicity, fire, sharp edges, or mechanical injury.
Through precise physical, mechanical, chemical, flammability, electrical, and microbiological analysis, we ensure each toy is safe under normal or foreseeable use.
Globally recognized standards for toys testing include:
- EN 71 (Europe)
- ASTM F963 (USA)
- ISO 8124 (International)
- GSO EN 71 / BD-142004-01 (GCC)
- GB 6675 / GB 19865 (China)
In Qatar and GCC, all toy imports must comply with GSO BD-142004-01 and GSO ISO 8124, verified through an accredited toys test report.
2. Core Testing Categories in Toy Safety
i. Mechanical and Physical Properties (EN 71-1 / ISO 8124-1 / ASTM F963)
This category of toys testing identifies potential mechanical hazards like sharp points, choking risks, or breakable parts.
Typical tests include compression, torque, tension, impact, flexure, and drop tests to ensure structural integrity.
| Test | Specification / Criteria |
|---|---|
| Small Parts Test | Parts fitting fully into a 31.7 mm × 57.1 mm cylinder fail (choking hazard). |
| Sharp Edge Test | Tape break under force → fail. |
| Sharp Point Test | Tip penetration before threshold → fail. |
| Torque / Pull Test | Must withstand torque/pull without detachment. |
| Drop / Impact Test | Drop toy 5× onto steel plate — no breakage or part detachment. |
| Compression Test | 110 N for 10 s — no deformation. |
| Flexure Test | ±60° bending (20 cycles) — no fracture. |
| Bite Test | 90 N for 10 s — no part release. |
| Folding / Hinge Safety | No finger trap (5–12 mm gap). |
| Cords & Strings | <220 mm (<18 months); ≤300 mm (>18 months). |
>> Relevant Standards: EN 71-1:2023, ISO 8124-1:2022, ASTM F963 §4
ii. Flammability Test (EN 71-2 / ISO 8124-2 / ASTM F963)
The flammability test evaluates how easily toys ignite and how quickly flames spread — vital for costumes, plush toys, or materials in contact with children.
| Toy Category | Acceptance Limit |
|---|---|
| Beards, Masks, Wigs | Flame spread ≤ 30 mm/s |
| Disguise Costumes | Flame spread ≤ 30 mm/s |
| Toys to be Entered | No ignition beyond edge |
| Soft-Filled Toys | Flame must self-extinguish ≤ 2 s |
| Other Toys | No ignition >10 s or burn >5 s |
>> Standards: EN 71-2, ISO 8124-2, ASTM F963, GSO BD-142004-01
iii. Chemical Properties Testing (EN 71-3 / ISO 8124-3 / GSO BD-142004-01)
The chemical safety test ensures toys are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals like heavy metals, phthalates, formaldehyde, and bisphenol A (BPA).
| Parameter | Standard | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | ISO 8124-3 / EN 71-3 | Lead ≤ 23 mg/kg, Cadmium ≤ 17 mg/kg |
| Phthalates | ISO 8124-6 / EN 14372 | ≤ 0.1% (1000 mg/kg) |
| Formaldehyde | ISO 14184-1 | ≤ 30 mg/kg (textiles) |
| Aromatic Amines | EN 14362-1 | < 30 mg/kg |
| Nitrosamines | EN 12868 / ISO 8124-11 | ≤ 0.05 mg/kg |
| BPA | ISO 8124-6 | ≤ 0.04 mg/L |
| PVC / Chlorinated Compounds | - | ≤ 1 mg/kg |
>> Mandated Regulation in GCC: GSO BD-142004-01 — compliance required for toy imports and sales in Qatar.
iv. Electrical and Electronic Toy Safety (EN 62115 / ISO 8124-4)
For toys powered by batteries or external sources, electrical toys testing ensures protection from shock, overheating, burns, and short circuits.
| Test | Specification / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Voltage Limit | ≤ 24 V DC |
| Temperature Rise | Plastic ≤ 45°C; Metal ≤ 40°C |
| Short Circuit Test | No ignition or leakage |
| Drop Test | 93 cm × 5 times — no exposure of live parts |
| Battery Safety | Secure cover; polarity reversal safe |
| Abnormal Operation | Simulated motor stalls — no fire |
| Moisture Resistance | No corrosion or current leak |
| EMC Test | EN 55014-1/2 compliance |
>> Applicable Standards: EN IEC 62115:2020, ISO 8124-4:2014, ASTM F963-23, GSO EN 62115
v. Hygiene and Microbiological Tests (EN 71-10 / EN 71-11 / ISO 8124)
Microbiological toys tests ensure that toys are free from harmful bacteria, molds, or fungi that could cause infections or allergies.
These tests are mandatory for plush, fabric, and infant-use toys.
| Parameter | Acceptance Limit (EN 71-11) |
|---|---|
| Total Bacteria | ≤ 10³ CFU/g |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 10² CFU/g |
| E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa | Absent in 1 g |
| Salmonella spp. | Absent in 10 g |
| Candida albicans | Absent in 1 g |
>> GCC Standard: GSO EN 71-10 & 71-11 (BD-142004-01)
3. METS Laboratories – Your Accredited Partner for Toys Testing
At METS Laboratory, we combine advanced technology with regulatory expertise to deliver comprehensive Toys Test services aligned with ISO 8124, EN 71, ASTM F963, and GSO BD-142004-01.
Our Toys Testing Infrastructure:
| Category | Equipment Used |
|---|---|
| Mechanical & Physical Testing | Torque & Tension Testers, Drop & Impact Machines, Sharp Edge & Point Testers, Small Parts Cylinders, Bite Testers |
| Flammability | Automated Flammability Chambers, Precision Gas Burners, Flame Spread Sensors |
| Chemical Analysis | ICP-OES, AAS, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, XRF, LC/MS/MS for trace metal and organic compound detection |
| Electrical & Electronic | Hipot Testers, Insulation Resistance Meters, Thermal Data Loggers, EMC Test Systems |
| Microbiological & Hygiene | Biosafety Cabinets, Incubators (25°C / 37°C), Autoclaves, PCR Analyzers, Colony Counters |
Accreditation: ISO/IEC 17025
Scope: EN 71, ISO 8124, ASTM F963, GSO BD-142004-01
Regions Covered: Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait
4. Why Choose METS Laboratories for Toys Test
GSO & MoPH Approved Testing Facility
End-to-End Toy Safety Evaluation – Mechanical to Microbiological
Fast Turnaround with Globally Recognized Reports
Testing for Both Local and International Market Access
Accredited Laboratory Certificates Accepted by Authorities Across GCC
5. Conclusion – Testing Toys for Safer Childhoods
The toys test is not just a certification step — it’s a commitment to child safety, quality, and global compliance.
At METS Lab, our expert team ensures every toy is mechanically strong, chemically safe, and electrically reliable before it reaches the hands of children.
Through our ISO 17025-accredited toys testing, we help toy manufacturers and importers meet QCS, GSO, EN, ISO, and ASTM safety requirements — ensuring trust, transparency, and safety across every product.
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