EAC Certification for Toys: CU TR 008/2011

What is covered by CU TR 008/2011?

The EAC Technical Regulation CU TR 008/2011 “On the Safety of Toys” sets strict requirements for all toys placed on the market of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Its scope is broad, but Annex 1 contains a list of products that, although they might look like toys, are not legally considered as such.

Examples of excluded products:

• Christmas decorations, artificial trees, and lighting
• Collector’s models not intended for children under 14
• Folkloric or decorative dolls not intended for children under 14
• Slot machines
• Jigsaws with more than 500 pieces
• Catapults, launchers, and projectiles with metal tips
• Products with heating elements intended only for educational use under adult supervision
• Toy cars with steam engines

The underlying criterion is simple: if the product is intended for users over 14 years old, it cannot be considered a toy under Eurasian law.

How is conformity demonstrated?

Compliance with CU TR 008/2011 is achieved through an EAC Certificate of Conformity, rather than a simple Declaration.

During the certification process, accredited laboratories test the toy according to a wide set of parameters, including:

• Organoleptic characteristics (smell, taste)
• Physical properties (sound level, electrostatic and electromagnetic fields, voltage levels, infrared radiation, vibration, radionuclides)
• Health and chemical indicators (chemical migration)
• Toxicological and hygienic properties (mucous irritation, toxicity index)
• Microbiological indicators

If the toy is electric or electronic, then CU TR 004/2011 “On the Safety of Low Voltage Equipment” also applies — which means a double certification procedure is often required.