CR 14379:2002

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2002
5D]YUVWLWHYLJUDþ1DYRGLOD
Classification of toys - Guidelines
Klassifizierung von Spielzeug - Leitlinien
Classification des jouets - Lignes directrices
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CR 14379:2002
ICS:
97.200.50 ,JUDþH Toys
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

CEN REPORT
CR 14379
RAPPORT CEN
CEN BERICHT
April 2002
ICS
English version
Classification of toys - Guidelines
This CEN Report was approved by CEN on 10 November 2001. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 52.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CR 14379:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
Introduction.3
1 Scope.3
2 Stages of development.3
3 Toys for children under and over 36 months.4
4 Indicators for products not considered as toys .14
4.1 Introduction .14
4.2 Indicators: a toy versus not a toy.14
4.3 “Early learning products”.15
Annex A (informative) Explanation of stages of the development of children.16
A.2.1 The development from 0 - 18 months .16
A.2.2 The development from 18 - 36 months .17
A.2.3 The development from 3 - 7 years.17
A.3.1 Introduction .18
A.3.2 The sensorimotor stage (0 - 2 years) .19
A.3.3 The pre-operational stage (2 - 7 years).19
A.3.4 The concrete operational stage (7 - 12 years).19
Index - Toy and toy category.22
Bibliography.24
List of tables
Table 1 – Stages of development
Table 2 – Activity toys (Category A)
Table 3 – Aquatic toys (Category B)
Table 4 – Art and craft materials and related articles (Category C)
Table 5 – Audio/visual equipment (Category D)
Table 6 – Books with play value (Category E)
Table 7 – Construction toys and puzzles (Category F)
Table 8 – Costumes, disguises and masks (intended to imitate) (Category G)
Table 9 – Dolls and soft filled toys (Category H)
Table 10 – Experimental sets (Category I)
Table 11 – Functional toys (Category J)
Table 12 – Game sets (Category K)
Table 13 – Mechanical and/or electrical driven vehicles (Category L)
Table 14 – Play scenes and constructed models (Category M)
Table 15 – Projectile toys with a launching device (Category N)
Table 16 – Push-along toys, pull-along toys and walking aids (Category O)
Table 17 – Role-playing toys (Category P)
Table 18 – Sand-water toys (Category Q)
Table 19 – Skill development toys (Category R)
Table 20 – Toy cosmetics (Category S)
Table 21 – Toy musical instruments (Category T)
Table 22 – Toy sports equipment and balls (Category U)
Table 23 – Toys for babies for looking at, grasping and/or squeezing (Category V)
Table 24 – Toys intended to bear the mass of a child (Category W)
Table 25 – Toys intended to be entered by a child (Category X)
Introduction
This document (CR 14879:2002) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 52 “Safety of
toys”, the secretariat of which is held by DS.
CEN/TC 52 “Safety of toys” decided in November 1998 to develop a document on classification of toys
giving guidelines for matching toy characteristics to children’s ages.
Manufacturers, importers, surveillance authorities and test laboratories have an interest in a
classification.
This document should be read in conjunction with:
EN 71-1, Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
EN 71-2, Safety of toys – Part 2: Flammability
EN 71-3, Safety of toys – Part 3: Migration of certain elements
EN 71-4, Safety of toys – Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
EN 71-5, Safety of toys – Part 5: Chemical toys (sets) other than experimental sets
EN 71-6, Safety of toys – Part 6: Graphical symbol for age warning labelling
EN 71-7, Safety of toys - Part 7: Finger paints - Requirements and test methods (under preparation)
EN 71-8, Safety of toys - Part 8: Swings, slides and similar activity toys for indoor and outdoor family
domestic use (under preparation)
EN-IEC 50088, Safety of electric toys
EN-IEC 61558, Safety of power transformers, power supply units and similar
1 Scope
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the standards for safety of toys and gives
guidelines for deciding which toys are intended for children under 36 months of age and which toys
are not intended for such children.
The document is a broad guideline and further study is required to determine whether a particular toy
is appropriate for a given age.
In addition, this document gives clarification on items that are not considered as toys.
Explanation of stages of the development of children is given in Annex A together with background
information and considerations concerning safety of toys.
NOTE: Only toys that on account of their function, dimensions, characteristics, properties or other cogent grounds
are manifestly unsuitable for children under 36 months do not require a warning in the context of annex IV.1 of the
Toy Safety Directive.
2 Stages of development
To be able to classify toys for children under and over 36 months it is important to understand
children’s development stages, particularly within the 0 - 36 months age group. A rationale for this is
given in Annex A and a summary is given in table 1.
Table 1 – Stages of development
< 36 months
Development 0 – 18 months In this early period the child likes and needs
Becomes capable of
• something to look at,
• lifting its head and upper torso itself, • something that moves,
• grabbing and manipulating toys.
• something to bite,
• simple motory movements.
• something to listen to,
• something to grasp,
Learns to walk.
• something to roll,
Hearing and sensing abilities are well developed.
• something to splash with,
The vision of objects at a distance of approximately
• something to pound with,
20-30 cm is well developed.
• something to push and pull,
Primary colours are preferred.
• something to pull,
• something to sit on,
• something to put inside and on top of each
other,
• something to dig and pour with,
• something to disassemble,
• something for outdoor play.
Development 18 – 36 months The child likes to have
Increased muscular control and ability to balance.
• something to play house with,
Ability to speak and move affects ability to fantasize.
• something to build with,
Imitation of adult behaviour.
• something to climb on,
More refined and precise movement of fingers.
• something to disassemble and put together
Beginning of role play.
again,
• something to mould and knead,
• something to draw with,
• a book to turn pages of and to look at.
‡ 36 months
Development 36 months - …
Intense development of language; experimenting Articulated manipulative movements are well
with words (understanding letters, numbers). developed.
Combination of simultaneous motions possible.
Development towards logic and systematic thinking.
Starts to understand games. Recognition of melodies, patterns.
Learns how to use the body; physical development Social learning depends on playing.
makes the game more energetic. Increasing interest in fantasy and role playing.
Increasing development of coordination of fine Learns to play with others in groups.
movements.
3 Toys for children under and over 36 months
For classifying toys for children under and over 36 months, 24 categories of toys have been selected.
(see tables 2 to 25 below). Each toy category is explained in a diagram containing
• functions and characteristics
• examples
a)  Functions and characteristics
The characteristic aspects that will best distinguish the borderline between < 36 months and > 36
months have been selected as follows:
• The overall dimensions of the toy (weight, volume, length and width), especially with regard to how
these aspects may affect the ease of handling and operation of the toy for a particular age.
• The number and size of the parts or components of the toy, especially in relation to what the child
can be expected to handle at a particular age and what a child is likely to prefer.
• It should be noted that recommendations concerning product size and number of parts are
approximate rather than exact.
• 'Detail' should take into account both the degree of realistic detail and the representational
qualities of the toy together with the child's likely concern with realism and detail at each age. Also
accessories are important.
• 'Special functions' may for example be whether the toy can produce special audio effects (i.e.
sounds, music) or visual effects.
b)  Examples
A few examples of toys are listed for each category. The lists are not meant to be exhaustive. The
examples should not be used in isolation from the functions/characteristics given for each category.
Table 2 – Activity toys (Category A)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Free height of fall should be low. Free height of fall may be higher.
Functions and
No complex movements. Multi-directional movements.
characteristics
Low/short range of movement. Climbing skill needed.
Swing with bump bar. Swing with flat seat.
Examples
Swing seat with T-bar or crotch strap. Gym set with bars, rings, rope ladder
Low slide, typical height: < 1000 mm. etc…
Climbing frame.
High slide.
Note: Intended for domestic family use, intended for children to play on or in. See EN 71-8.
Table 3 – Aquatic toys (Category B)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
There should be no aquatic toys for Able to support children older than 36
Functions and
children under 36 months. months
characteristics
Inflatable toy animal.
Examples
Small inflatable boat.
Surfboard to lie on.
NOTE 1: Aquatic toys are articles, whether inflatable or not, intended to bear the weight of a child and used as an
instrument of play in shallow water.
NOTE 2: Arm bands, swim seats and similar flotation aids are exempted from the essential requirements of the toy
safety directive as they are considered to be swimming aids.
Table 4 – Art and craft materials and related articles (Category C)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Large and to be easily held. Accessories
Functions and
Few colours in a package, typically 6 or Stencil
characteristics
less.
Without removable parts.
Wax crayons. Wax crayons.
Examples:
Crayons (wood-cased); chalks. Crayons (wood-cased); chalks.
Painting utensils Finger paint. Stamping/printing materials.
Street chalk. Street chalk.
Felt/fibre pens. Felt/fibre pens, colour kits.
Ready-mixed water-based paint. Glues.
Block stamping. Scissors.
Intended to remain pliable Modelling material (and tools for
Examples:
modelling):
Modelling material
• intended to be air-drying
• oven hardening
• gels
Creativity sets:
• pottery sets
•
balloon sets
Table 5 – Audio/visual equipment (Category D)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Simple cause/effect. More complex rhythm.
Functions and
Simple rhythm. Video with stories and cartoon figures.
characteristics
Simple songs.
Music box. Computer teaching games: drawing,
Examples
Very simple electronic/computer or other calculating, writing.
teaching toys for matching, sorting, Handheld computer games.
learning. Tapes.
Tape recorder, CD recorder and
minidisk.
Note: Audio/visual equipment includes electronic learning aids.
Table 6 – Books with play value (Category E)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Combination of play and looking at Text with easy stories.
Functions and
pictures. Pictures with details.
characteristics
Easy to manipulate.
Simple pictures, few details.
Picture book of soft plastic. Hardback book with text and pictures
Examples
Textile book. with play value.
Combination of book and other types of Colouring book with details.
Pop-up book with text (e.g. fairy tale).
toys, e.g. animal figures of plastics.
Pop-up book. Book with decals and simple colouring
Sound-producing book. features.
Colouring book.
Thick-paged book.
Table 7 – Construction toys and puzzles (Category F)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Large elements, easy to manipulate. Small elements.
Functions and
Limited number of elements. More details – e.g. on figures as well as
characteristics
Puzzles with a few large pieces. technical details.
Rounded shapes. Increasing number of elements as
Simple images of human beings, children grow older.
animals, houses, vehicles etc… Interlocking functions, including
Easy to stack or lock. nuts/bolts.
Large stacking blocks of wood or soft Jigsaw puzzles.
Examples
plastics. 3D puzzles.
Plastic blocks and elements that fit Interlocking sets of plastic bricks with
together. many details.
Puzzles – pieces to fit into outlined Detailed assembly models.
shapes.
Simple jigsaw puzzles with a few large
pieces.
Table 8 – Costumes, disguises and masks (intended to imitate) (Category G)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
To fit the size of a child < 36 months To fit the size of a child > 36 months
Functions and
characteristics
Accessories, like a sword, gun…
Examples
Table 9 – Dolls and soft filled toys (Category H)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Simple design (except for doll's face). Realistic accessories (meaning dolls
Functions and
Soft and cuddly. with articulated limbs, realistic
characteristics
Simple wearing accessories. proportion, specialised equipment)
Simple additional items (e.g. milk bottle
for dolls).
Washable or cleanable.
Toys that make noise due to baby’s
actions (rattle inside).
Dolls with few details: eyes that open
and shut, pull-string for dolls to talk or
make noise, very easy to dress.
Washable rubber dolls. Dolls with a lot of accessories.
Examples:
Rag dolls. Dolls with articulated limbs and arms
Dolls Dolls with simple to use (requiring easy (hard-body dolls).
action) electric, electronic or mechanical Dolls with special features (mechanical,
equipment inside. electrical or electronically activated.
Dolls with moving eyes, talking dolls. Fashion dolls.
Paper dolls.
Dolls that cry, wet, move, drink, hair that
can be styled, tight fitting clothes.
Action figures.
Table 9 – Dolls and soft filled toys (Category H) (continued)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Soft toys (e.g. stuffed, plush and textile All soft filled toys are suitable for all age
Examples:
animals, soft bodied baby dolls or grades.
Soft filled toys character dolls for holding and cuddling.
Toys with simple-to-use electric,
electronic or mechanical equipment
inside (requiring one action).
Lullaby toy which requires one child
manipulation.
Table 10 – Experimental sets (Category I)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
There should be no experimental sets Skill and knowledge is required for older
Functions and
for children under 36 months. children (see EN 71-4 and 5 for
characteristics
additional age grading).
Chemical sets
Examples
Electrical sets
Biological sets
Photographic sets
Table 11 – Functional toys (Category J)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
There should be no functional toys for Toys where children learn a skill where
Functions and
children under 36 months. adult supervision is required.
characteristics
Mostly a scale model or imitation.
Can contain functional sharp edges or
sharp points.
Sewing machine
Examples
Knitting set
Fretwork set
Toolbox for real (play) use
Microscope
Typewriter
Table 12 – Game sets (Category K)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Only few pieces. Children start to understand games.
Functions and
Very simple game rules. Use of letters and numbers.
characteristics
Based on matching simple objects, Strategy more complex, rules more
colours, etc. difficult.
Typically only one or two players. Playing time increases when children
get older.
Picture dominoes Board games
Examples
Simple matching games Bingo
Card games
Concentration/reaction games
Table 13 – Mechanical and/or electrical driven vehicles (Category L)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Simple design. Toys requiring more skill to operate.
Functions and
Simple cause/effect. Skill required to steer or keep on the
characteristics
track.
Multipart toys.
Easy to hold and grasp.
Toys with detailed accessories.
Realistic sounds.
Simple accessories.
Child assembly tracks/roads.
Detailed action vehicles or trains to be
Limited assembly.
used as part of a model scene or
setting.
Limited skill required for steering.
Multiple carriages.
Slow moving.
Clockwork vehicles. Track racing sets.
Examples
Trains or other sets with basic track Multifunction remote-controlled or radio-
design. controlled vehicles.
Trains that make noises, e.g. clicking, Action figure's vehicles.
tooting etc. Die-cast vehicles.
Detailed train sets.
Pull-back vehicles.
Note: These vehicles are not intended to bear the mass of a child.
Table 14 – Play scenes and constructed models (Category M)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Large pieces. Wide variety of accessories.
Functions and
Small number of pieces. Realism.
characteristics
Easy to manipulate. Detailed working parts with or without
Lightweight to handle. special effects.
Simple actions required to operate e.g.
sound.
Simple shaped play set with few pieces, Dollhouse with some rooms, realistic
Examples
e.g. aeroplanes, farms, and garages. details.
Simple set with vehicles and figures. Action/adventure sets with realistic
Caricatured vehicle with simple shape. accessories.
Models with adult themes, e.g. space,
military, castle themes.
Toy soldiers.
Detailed and realistic cars/ aeroplanes/
trains.
Puppet theatre.
Table 15 – Projectile toys with a launching device (Category N)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
There should be no projectile toys for Projectile toys with or without stored
Functions and
children under 36 months. energy
characteristics
Bow and arrow.
Examples
Helicopter type projectiles.
Toys that eject balls.
Table 16 – Push-along toys, pull-along toys and walking aids (Category O)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Toys with wheels (big) easy to move This category is not relevant for children
Functions and
and roll. of 36 months and older.
characteristics
Toys to help walking, with or without
Examples
early learning games.
Animals on wheels.
Boats, cars, …., non realistic with or
without sound effect.
NOTE: Push-along toys with a combined function of role-playing toys, such as a doll carriage, are classified as role-
playing toys (see Table 17)
Table 17 – Role-playing toys (Category P)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Simple design. Detailed equipment.
Functions and
Sturdy. Realistic shape and proportion.
characteristics
Simple images. Small parts and fragile pieces.
Easy to hold and operate. Accessories .
Toy telephone. Toy telephone with complicated dialling
Examples
Play dishes and tea sets, pots and pans. features.
Non-folding doll carriages, doll stroller, Elaborate tea, cooking, pastry and
doll shopping cart. dishwashing sets.
Tools of simple shapes: screw driver, Dollhouses with furnishings.
hammer. Elaborate doll clothing.
Caricatured cash register with few Realistic cash register.
details. Play money.
Doll carriage, shopping cart.
NOTE: Role-playing toys are for imitation of adult activities.
Table 18 – Sand-water toys (Category Q)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Making simple shapes. More details.
Functions and
Easy to hold and operate. More functions.
characteristics
Simple cause/effect.
Bucket. Metal spade.
Examples
Sand tools with simple shapes. Sand tools for shaping and design.
Watering can. Battery-operated boats/ships.
Plastic cars/vans. Radio-controlled boats/ships.
Plastic boats.
Inflatable toy animals not intended to
bear the weight of a child.
NOTE: Table 18 excludes bath toys
Table 19 – Skill development toys (Category R)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Matching and sorting. Fragile material.
Functions and
Stacking. Creativity toys.
characteristics
Easy to hold and operate.
Stacking blocks. Shoe for lacing.
Examples
Shape sorter. Lacing card, lacing beads.
Interlocking beads. Sewing kit.
Stacking pyramids. Jewellery kit.
Retained /sliding beads. Modelling sets.
Table 20 – Toy cosmetics (Category S)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
There should be no toy cosmetics for Colours, similar to ordinary make-up.
Functions and
children under 36 months. Products similar to ordinary make-up
characteristics
products.
Contains perfume.
Intended for adult imitation.
Artificial nails/ Nail decals.
Examples
Mascara.
Lipstick/lip gloss.
Eye shadow.
Blush.
Perfume.
Nail polish.
Cosmetics for dolls.
Carnival make-up.
Tattoo and skin stickers.
NOTE: This category includes cosmetics intended for use on the child as well as those intended for use on a toy (e.g.
a doll).
Table 21 – Toy musical instruments (Category T)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Simple sound. Simultaneous actions: e.g. press and
Functions and
Easy action: e.g. blow, press, shake, blow.
characteristics
strike (drum). Realistic sound.
Realistic look.
Realistic functions.
Keyboard, mouth organ, piano,
Piano with caricatured figures.
Examples
Xylophone. xylophone
Maracas. Guitar.
Simple trumpet. Trumpet.
Simple guitar. Flute.
Drums. Tambourine, castanets.
Drum set.
Table 22 – Toy sports equipment and balls (Category U)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Easy to hold and operate. Increasing understanding of games.
Functions and
Outdoor games.
characteristics
Lightweight to handle. Games where skill is needed: throwing,
catching.
Soft balls. Toy versions of:
Examples
Rubber balls. Soccer/basketball/… ball
Beach balls. Badminton set
Simple version of outdoor games. Hockey stick
Jump rope
Flying disks
Kites
Boxing gloves
Trampolines
Table 23 – Toys for babies for looking at, grasping and/or squeezing (Category V)
< 36 months‡ 36 months
Toys intended to be used in a crib or This category is not relevant for children
Functions and
playpen, to be held easily by small of 36 months and older.
characteristics
hands, shaken, grasped,
...