Safety requirements
The security of toys is an ever-more important subject. The provisions on toy safety are regulated by several standards. The following provisions apply to our products:
1) EN 71:
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a) |
Part 1: This regulates the mechanical and physical properties. This European standard applies for children’s toys, i.e. for all products or materials that are built or are clearly intended to be used by children aged 14 or under for playing. It applies for tools in their condition as new, however, also takes into account both the conventional and foreseeable use, general usage period as well as standard child behaviour. |
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b) |
Part 3: This refers to the migration of certain elements (in our case this essentially means that the colours and paints used must not release any toxins though use). This part of the EN 71 sets out requirements and test procedures for the migration of the following elements: antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium from toy materials and toy parts except such parts which are not accessible. Packaging material is not included unless it forms part of the toy or has a particular play value. |
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c) |
Part 6: Regulates the labelling of the toy in the form of an age-group related warning notice. |
2) ÖNORM S 1555 (Austrian standard):
Regulates the sweat, saliva and rub fastness of the toy. Essentially, sweat and saliva must not cause any colour or toxicant to be released.
3) EU Directive 2005/84 EC:
General ban on phthalates (DEHP, DBP and BBP) in toys that are a risk to health. This directive bans the use of plasticisers in toys.
4) CE mark:
This compulsory mark confirms that the manufacturer has complied with all of the obligatory safety requirements - in our case the provisions described under item 1) to 3).
The subject of security is a key focus at Matador.
As a purely Austrian toy producer we do of course meet all applicable safety requirements. In order to check the certificates presented by our suppliers (wood, colour, plastics etc.), our products are checked by recognised international testing institutions at regular intervals. The corresponding certificates are of course available from us.
In addition, we only use Austrian copper beech from sustainably managed forests. Our (Austrian) wood supplier has a test certificate of the accredited “Holz Cert Austria” certification location and the related ongoing checks.
Claudia and Michael TOBIAS
CEO and owner
