Quick Answer: If you import wooden toys into the EU, EN71 is not the only rule. REACH also applies. It controls chemicals in paints, adhesives, wood treatments, and packaging. ESATOYS — the export brand of Wenzhou Times Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. — has served EU buyers for 24 years. Here is what REACH means for your wooden toy order.

What is REACH?

REACH is the EU regulation for chemicals. It stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It applies to almost all products sold in the EU, including toys.

For wooden toys, REACH matters because paints, adhesives, wood preservatives, and packaging can contain restricted substances. If your product contains a chemical above the allowed limit, it can be stopped at customs or recalled from the market.

REACH vs EN71-3: what is the difference?

EN71-3 is part of the toy safety standard. It tests how much heavy metal can migrate from toy materials. REACH is broader. It covers substances of very high concern, or SVHCs, and restricted chemicals in the whole product, including packaging.

A toy can pass EN71-3 and still have a REACH issue. That is why EU buyers should ask for both.

Key REACH requirements for wooden toys

• SVHC screening: check if any substance of very high concern is present above 0.1%

• Annex XVII restrictions: some chemicals are banned or limited in toys

• SCIP notification: if your product contains SVHCs above 0.1%, you may need to notify ECHA

• Safety data sheets: for paints, adhesives, and treatments

• Declaration of conformity: from your supplier or importer

What to ask your supplier

Before you place an order, ask:

• Do you have REACH test reports or declarations?

• Which paints and adhesives do you use? Are they REACH compliant?

• Do you check SVHCs in wood, paint, glue, and packaging?

• Can you provide safety data sheets for chemical materials?

• What happens if a restricted substance is found?

A supplier who understands REACH will answer clearly. If they say “EN71 covers everything,” that is a warning sign.

How ESATOYS supports REACH compliance

ESATOYS is the export brand of Wenzhou Times Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. We have 24 years of experience serving brands, importers, and retailers in Europe and North America. We use non-toxic, child-safe paints and adhesives. We can provide material declarations, support third-party testing, and prepare the documents your EU importer needs. FSC-certified wood is available on request.

We also support EN71, ASTM F963, and CPSIA compliance where applicable. If you sell in both the EU and US, we can coordinate testing for both markets.

Common REACH mistakes

• Assuming EN71-3 is enough

• Not checking packaging inks and adhesives

• Using old test reports for new materials

• Missing SCIP notification when needed

• Not updating documents when the formula changes

Next step: Send us your wooden toy idea, target market, and material preferences. We will reply with clear feedback on REACH and production — usually within 24 hours on business days.

Contact ESATOYS via www.evatoys.com