Toys testing capabilities extended

In response to the pending introduction of new EN standards, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services inspections and auditing services, has extended its toy testing capabilities.

In response to the pending introduction of new EN standards, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (BVCPS), global leader in consumer product testing, inspections and auditing services, has extended its toy testing capabilities.

The new standards specify the levels of organic chemical compounds acceptable in children's toys and describe test methodologies to examine them.

BVCPS is the largest toy testing organisation in the world, providing manufacturers, importers and retailers with the opportunity to test products at numerous global locations.

BVCPS's worldwide laboratories have been briefed and are prepared to test to these new standards, which come into force in January 2006.

The EN 71-9 standard specifically details the limits on the migration or content of certain hazardous organic chemical compounds in toy materials accessible through numerous routes including ingestion, mouthing, skin and eye contact and inhalation.

These requirements have been established in accordance with the normal behaviour of children and the function and design of toys.

The targeted organic chemical compounds include flame retardants, colourants, monomers, solvents and preservatives.

The EN71-10 and EN71-11 standards describe test methodologies to be used in conjunction with EN71-9.

Evaluation of over half a million toys annually worldwide provides BVCPS with a broad perspective of the hazards associated with a wide range of children's products.

With over 25 years' experience in the testing of toys and juvenile products, BVCPS offers comprehensive testing and consulting services to meet a variety of needs.

For example, specialised services designed to meet specific requirements, including age grade evaluations, injury data research and child development and behaviour research can be commissioned.

Safety and quality are fundamental concerns for all consumers, particularly parents, who buy toys and other products related to children.

BVCPS's services are designed to assist manufacturers, retailers and importers in minimising the risk of liability, costly product returns and recall.

The company's range of services includes foreseeable use and abuse testing, destructive testing and chemical testing.

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