Safe toys for children are toys that ensure minimum requirements in terms of chemical safety, mechanical and physical safety, electrical and electronic safety, fire and explosion safety, and sound safety. Therefore, when selecting toys for children, parents should prioritize products with clear origins, from reputable manufacturers, and those that have safety certificates issued by competent authorities and comply with the applicable national technical regulations.

To better understand the certification of TCVN 6238-1:2017 – Mechanical and Physical Safety Requirements for Toys, please refer to the article below.

Scope of Application of TCVN 6238-1:2017 Certification – Mechanical and Physical Safety Requirements for Toys

The requirements specified in this standard apply to all types of toys, meaning any product or material designed or intended for use by children under 14 years of age for play purposes. Unless otherwise specifically stated, this standard applies to both new toys and toys used under normal conditions.

This standard establishes acceptable criteria for the structural characteristics of toys such as shape, size, contours, and openings (for example: rattles, small parts, sharp points and edges, and hinge-line gaps). It also specifies acceptable criteria for certain characteristics of particular categories of toys (for example: maximum kinetic energy values for projectiles with blunt or non-resilient tips, and minimum inclination angles for certain toys intended to be ridden or bearing the mass of the child).

The standard specifies requirements and test methods for toys intended for children of different age groups, from infants to 14 years old. These requirements vary depending on the intended age group. The requirements for a specific age group reflect the nature of the risks involved and the expected physical or mental abilities of children to cope with those risks.

The standard also requires appropriate warnings or instructions for use to be provided on certain toys or their packaging. Due to potential language differences among countries, the standard does not specify exact wording for warnings and instructions. Instead, TCVN 6238-1:2017 certification provides general guidance in Annex B. It should be noted that legal requirements regarding labeling may vary across different countries.

This standard is not intended to be comprehensive or to cover all potential hazards associated with a toy or a category of toys. Except for labeling requirements that indicate inherent hazards related to the function and intended age of the toy, the standard does not specify requirements for hazards that are intrinsic to the toy’s functional characteristics.

NOTE: An example of such hazards is the sharp point necessary for the function of a needle. A purchaser of a sewing kit understands the risks associated with needles and sharp points. This functional aspect interacts with the user as part of normal learning and purchasing processes, supported by warning labels on product packaging.

Another example is a toy stroller that has obvious and recognizable hazards associated with its use (for example instability during play). Potential hazards related to the structural features of toy vehicles (sharp edges, entrapment hazards, etc.) will be minimized by complying with the requirements of this standard.

Products Not Covered by TCVN 6238-1:2017

The following products are not within the scope of TCVN 6238-1:2017:

a) Bicycles, except those considered toys (with a maximum saddle height of 435 mm)

b) Slingshots

NOTE: “Stone slingshots” are also considered slingshots.

c) Arrows with metal tips

d) Playground equipment for private or public playgrounds

e) Air-powered rifles and pistols

f) Kites (unless insulation of the kite string is specified in the standard)

g) Assembly model kits, collectible models, or aircraft/ship models not primarily intended for play

h) Sports equipment, camping equipment, sports training equipment, and musical instruments. However, toy imitations of these items remain within the scope of TCVN 6238-1:2017 certification.

It is often observed that there may be very slight differences between a musical instrument or sports equipment and its toy equivalent. The manufacturer’s or distributor’s intention, as well as normal use or reasonably foreseeable misuse resulting from children's behavior, determines whether the product is a toy imitation.

i) Model aircraft, rockets, ships, and land vehicles powered by internal combustion engines; however, toy imitations remain within the scope of the standard (see E.1)

j) Collectible products not intended for children under 14 years old

k) Decorative products used for festivals and holidays

l) Equipment for deep water use, swimming training equipment, and flotation devices for children such as seat floats or similar devices

m) Toys installed in public places (e.g., amusement parks, shopping malls)

n) Puzzles with more than 500 pieces or puzzles without pictures intended for professional use

o) Fireworks, including percussion caps, except paper caps specifically designed for toys

p) Products containing heating elements used under adult supervision for educational purposes

q) Steam engines

r) Video toys capable of being connected to a video screen and operating at a rated voltage exceeding 24 V

s) Baby pacifiers

t) Imitation firearms

u) Electric ovens, irons, or other functional products operating at a rated voltage exceeding 24 V

v) Bows with a relaxed length greater than 120 cm

w) Children’s fashion jewelry

The above information provides an overview of TCVN 6238-1:2017 certification – Mechanical and Physical Safety Requirements for Toys. We hope it offers useful knowledge for readers.