EN 71-3:2019 is a European Standard that specifies the safety requirements for the migration of certain elements from toys and toy materials. This standard is part of the broader EN 71 series, which covers the safety of toys in general.

Key Aspects of EN 71-3:2019:

1. **Scope and Application**:

- The standard applies to toys and toy materials, including paints, coatings, plastics, textiles, and metals.

- It aims to ensure that toys do not release harmful levels of certain elements when they come into contact with the body, particularly through ingestion.

2. **Migration Limits**:

- The standard specifies limits for the migration of various elements, including antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium.

- These limits are set to protect children's health, based on toxicological data.

3. **Categories of Toy Materials**:

- Toy materials are categorised into three groups based on their likelihood of ingestion and the amount of extractable material:

- Category I: Dry, brittle, powder-like, or pliable materials.

- Category II: Liquid or sticky materials.

- Category III: Scraped-off materials.

4. **Test Methods**:

- The standard outlines the test methods to determine the migration of elements from toys. This includes preparing the sample, extracting the elements, and analysing them using appropriate techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

5. **Compliance and Certification**:

- Toys must be tested according to the specified methods to ensure compliance with the migration limits.

- Manufacturers must ensure their products comply with these requirements before placing them on the market.

### Important Considerations:

- **Regular Updates**:

- The standard may be updated periodically to reflect new scientific data or regulatory changes. It's important for manufacturers and suppliers to stay informed about the latest versions.

- **Global Relevance**:

- While EN 71-3:2019 is a European standard, it can influence toy safety regulations globally. Compliance with this standard can facilitate market access in various regions.

- **Safety First**:

- The ultimate goal of EN 71-3:2019 is to ensure that toys are safe for children to use, minimising the risk of exposure to harmful substances through normal use and foreseeable misuse.

Manufacturers, suppliers, and testing laboratories must closely follow the guidelines provided in EN 71-3:2019 to ensure that toys meet the required safety standards and protect children's health.