This part of the European Standard EN 71 specifies requirements for the maximum amount of certain
substances and preparations used in experimental sets for chemistry and related activities.
These substances and preparations are
? chemicals classified as dangerous by the Directives on dangerous substances [1] and dangerous
preparations [2] (including substances which have been self-classified according to the requirements of
these Directives),
? substances and preparations which in excessive amounts may harm the health of the children using them
but which are not classified as dangerous by the above mentioned Directives and
? any other chemical substances and preparations delivered with the toy.
This standard applies to chemistry sets and supplementary sets. It also covers toys for experiments within the
fields of mineralogy, biology, physics, microscopy and environmental science whenever they contain one or
more chemical substances and/or preparations.
It also specifies requirements for marking, contents list, instructions for use and for equipment intended for
carrying out the experiments.
Other chemical toys are specified in EN 71-5.
NOTE The terms “substance“ and “preparation“ as used in directives 67/548/EEC [1] and 1999/45/EC [2] are also
used in the “REACH Regulation” Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 [4]. This regulation requires that account be taken of the
emerging international standards in the regulation of chemicals such as the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of
classification and labelling of chemicals. The EU has now proposed a timetable for the introduction of GHS and it is
expected that the two above mentioned directives will be repealed on 1 June 2015.
In the GHS regulation the term 'mixture' rather than 'preparation' is used. Preparations and mixtures should be considered
synonymous; both are mixtures or solutions of substances that do not react with each other.
BS EN 71-4:2009 history
2021BS EN 71-4:2020 Safety of toys. Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
2013BS EN 71-4:2013 Safety of toys. Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
2009BS EN 71-4:2009 Safety of toys Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
1998BS EN 71-4:1998+A3:2007 Safety of toys - Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
1998BS EN 71-4:1998 Safety of toys — Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities