FAQ

Ningbo Huabiao（GIG）: Professional EN71 testing ensures the safety of toys  

Ningbo Huabiao Testing enjoys an extremely high reputation in the industry. They possess a professional testing team, whose members have all undergone rigorous training and assessment, and possess extensive testing experience and professional knowledge. When it comes to EN71 testing, they function like a group of “sharp-eyed guardians,” never overlooking any potential issues.   In terms of testing the mechanical and physical properties of toys, Huabiao Testing utilizes advanced testing equipment to conduct thorough inspections of various components of the toys. They not only check whether the toy surfaces are smooth and free of sharp edges but also test the structural strength of the toys to ensure that they remain intact under normal use as well as under extreme stress tests. During combustion performance testing, Huabiao Testing simulates various real-world conditions to accurately measure the burning speed of the toys and the spread of flames. For the detection of the migration of specific elements, they use high-precision analytical instruments to accurately determine the levels of various heavy metals and harmful substances in the toys, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the EN71 standards.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.

EN71 Testing for 8 Heavy MetalsDefinition

The 8 heavy metals tested in the EN71 standard are antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se). These heavy metals possess unique chemical properties within the periodic table. For example, lead is a soft, malleable metal that commonly occurs in nature in the form of compounds; mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature and is volatile.

Potential Sources

These heavy metals can originate from various sources in children's toys. In terms of manufacturing materials, if recycled plastic is used, it may contain heavy metal impurities. For instance, some low-quality plastic particles that have not undergone strict purification during recycling may retain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Paints and coatings used in toys are also important sources. Toys with bright colors often require large amounts of paint, and some unscrupulous manufacturers may use low-cost paints that contain heavy metals to reduce costs. For example, lead-containing red pigments have been found in some substandard toys, and children who chew on these toys may ingest these heavy metals. Additionally, if the production equipment is outdated, it may introduce heavy metals during the manufacturing process. For instance, metal molds that are worn out after long-term use may release their metal components into the toys.

Importance of Testing

These heavy metals pose serious health risks to children. Lead can affect the development of the nervous system, causing problems such as inattention and decreased learning ability. Even low levels of lead exposure can have irreversible effects on a child's intellectual development. Mercury is neurotoxic; if ingested through the respiratory or digestive tract, it can disrupt the normal function of the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as memory loss and motor disorders. Arsenic is a carcinogen, and long-term exposure may increase a child's risk of developing cancer. Therefore, testing for these 8 heavy metals in toys can effectively reduce the risk of children coming into contact with these harmful substances and protect their health.

EN71 Testing for 19 Phthalate PlasticizersDefinition

Phthalate plasticizers are a class of organic compounds widely used in plastic products, primarily to increase their flexibility and malleability. The 19 phthalate plasticizers tested in the EN71 standard include bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), among others. These compounds are typically colorless or pale yellow oily liquids with good solubility and volatility.

Potential Sources

In children's toys, the main source of phthalate plasticizers is plastic materials. Many soft plastic toys, such as rubber dolls and plastic balls, contain large amounts of phthalate plasticizers to achieve a soft texture and good elasticity. Some plastic packaging materials may also contain these plasticizers, and during the storage and transportation of toys, the plasticizers may migrate to the surface of the toys. Additionally, if lubricants or release agents containing phthalate plasticizers are used in the production process of toys, these harmful substances may end up in the toys.

Importance of Testing

Research has shown that phthalate plasticizers have endocrine-disrupting properties. They can mimic hormones in the human body and interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. For children, long-term exposure to phthalate plasticizers may affect the development of the reproductive system, leading to issues such as precocious puberty. Moreover, they may also damage a child's immune and respiratory systems. Therefore, testing for these 19 phthalate plasticizers in toys can effectively reduce children's exposure to these harmful substances and protect their endocrine system and overall health.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.

What to do if the SVHC content exceeds the limit? Emergency response planTrace the supply chain to identify the source of contaminationIf the SVHC content exceeds the limit, the source is likely to be within the supply chain. We need to act like detectives, carefully investigating along the supply chain to locate the hidden source of contamination. Only by identifying the root cause can we take targeted measures to prevent such issues from occurring again.Negotiate with suppliers for material substitutionOnce the source of contamination is identified and it is determined that the problem lies with the raw materials, it is necessary to discuss with the suppliers the possibility of replacing these materials with ones that meet the standards. By working together, we may be able to find alternative materials that not only meet quality requirements but also address the SVHC excess issue. This approach will not only resolve the current compliance crisis but also help establish a stronger partnership with suppliers, resulting in a win-win situation for both parties.Redesign the product or production processIf negotiations with suppliers fail to resolve the issue, we must look for solutions within our own products and production processes. We may need to redesign the product or optimize the production process to ensure that materials or methods that could lead to SVHC excess are no longer used. Although this may require some time and effort, it is essential for ensuring product compliance.Re-test after making adjustmentsAfter implementing the necessary corrective measures, it is crucial to retest the products. Only by passing these tests can we confirm that our efforts have been effective and that the products now meet the relevant standards. This final step serves as a verification of the entire resolution process, ensuring that we have truly addressed the SVHC excess issue.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.

What does the implementation of Amazon’s direct verification system mean?

Firstly, false reports will no longer have any place to hide. Once a seller is detected by the platform of having fabricated reports, they will immediately face severe penalties, and years of hard work could be ruined in an instant. Secondly, annual inspections and updates are now mandatory. Under the new regulations, it is simply impossible to prepare inspection reports at the last minute. Sellers need to plan in advance to ensure that their reports are current and valid. Finally, the authority and responsiveness of TIC institutions become extremely important. Authoritative institutions can issue reports that are recognized by the platform, and a quick response time is essential when the platform requests verification. In the face of such new regulations, sellers need to make advance preparations to handle them effectively.

First, it is essential to ensure that the institution with which they collaborate is an Amazon-approved TIC institution. Only by working with an approved institution can the reports issued be successfully verified by the platform.

Second, establish an annual inspection plan. With a clear annual plan, it is possible to prevent reports from becoming outdated and ensure that they always meet the platform’s requirements. Third, keep complete inspection records on file. This way, when the platform requests information, sellers can provide the necessary documentation to prove their compliance. Advantages of Huabiao（GIG） Testing as a TIC Institution:

Firstly, the reports issued by Huabiao Testing can be directly verified by Amazon. Sellers need not worry about their reports not being recognized, which saves them a lot of time and effort. Secondly, Huabiao Testing provides annual inspection management services and automatically reminds sellers to renew their inspections. This eliminates the need for sellers to worry about report expirations and enables them to easily comply with the new regulations. Thirdly, in the event of a platform inquiry, Huabiao Testing’s professional team will respond promptly, providing sellers with comprehensive support and eliminating any concerns they may have.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.

Common pain points for sellers truly affect their business operations. Some sellers, in an effort to reduce costs, opt for low-cost but unreliable raw materials, resulting in their products failing RoHS compliance tests. This not only prevents their products from entering the European Union market but also means that the production expenses incurred earlier are wasted. Other sellers fail to clearly indicate on their product packaging whether their products comply with RoHS standards, which raises doubts among consumers and affects sales. Additionally, some sellers are unfamiliar with the RoHS testing process and do not know what documents are required, leading to difficulties during the testing process and resulting in a waste of time and effort. The obligations and regulations stipulated by the EU's RoHS Directive are guidelines that sellers must adhere to. This directive clearly defines the maximum levels of hazardous substances allowed in electronic and electrical products, with the aim of reducing the environmental and health hazards posed by these substances. Sellers have the responsibility to ensure that the products they sell meet these requirements; otherwise, they may face legal consequences. If it is discovered that a product does not comply with RoHS standards, it may be banned from the European Union market, which can be devastating for the seller. The ten key testing items under RoHS are the focus of these inspections. Lead can affect children's intellectual development; mercury can accumulate in the human body and damage the nervous system; cadmium can lead to kidney failure; hexavalent chromium can cause skin allergies and respiratory diseases; polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers can persist in the environment and damage ecosystems; phthalates may affect the human reproductive system. By testing for these ten substances, the quality and safety of products can be effectively ensured.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.

What is the FDA, and why is it so important?  

The FDA, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, holds a pivotal position in the global regulation of food and pharmaceutical products. The regulations and standards it establishes are designed to ensure the safety and quality of foods, drugs, medical devices, and food-contact materials that enter the U.S. market. For food-contact materials, the FDA imposes strict regulatory requirements in order to protect American consumers from potential hazards posed by these materials.  

Paper-based food-contact products and FDA testing  

Paper-based food-contact products are commonly used in daily life, such as food packaging paper, paper cups, and paper plates. When these products come into contact with food, they may release harmful substances, such as heavy metals and fluorescent brighteners, which can affect the safety of the food.  

Bamboo and wood-based food-contact products and FDA testing  

Bamboo and wood-based food-contact products are popular among consumers due to their natural and environmentally friendly properties. Common examples include bamboo utensils and wooden cutting boards. Although bamboo and wood are relatively natural materials, some chemical substances, such as preservatives and coatings, may be used during the processing. These substances could potentially migrate into food and pose a threat to human health.  

Coated food-contact products and FDA testing  

Coated food-contact products refer to those that have a special coating on their surface, such as non-stick pans and painted metal utensils. The purpose of the coating is usually to enhance the product’s performance, such as improving non-stick properties or preventing corrosion. However, the chemical components in the coating may also leach into food.  

How to meet FDA testing requirements?  

For companies that export paper-based, bamboo and wood-based, or coated food-contact products to the United States, it is essential to conduct an accurate assessment of their products first. Understand the raw materials, production processes, and uses of the products to determine whether FDA testing is necessary. If in doubt, you can consult Huabiao Testing for accurate information.

Huabiao（GIG）Testing has an experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment to provide you with a complete Amazon TIC certification solution. It has passed CMA/CNAS qualification certification, ensuring accurate and reliable test data, and its test reports have national/international credibility. It helps customers manage risks and meet your product market requirements, assisting your products in selling globally.