• Toys fall under the 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive and are tested to applicable parts of EN71 (EU safety standard for toys, which has been harmonised by the UK) to ensure compliance. 
• Key definition between toys – toys for 3yrs+ and under 3 years. 
• 3yrs+ tend to have small parts (small parts are defined as those that fit entirely in the small parts cylinder without compression). Although small parts are still a choking risk, at age 3yrs+ children tend to stop exploring with their mouths and so we can apply a relevant warning to advise of the hazard. 
• Under 3 years – small parts are a critical issue. The product is engineered to eliminate any small parts or, if small parts are present, so they don’t detach under use and abuse testing (tested under EN71.1; 8.3 (torque test), 8.4.2.1 (tension test, general), 8.5 (drop test), 8.7 (impact test) and 8.8 (compression test)). Under 3years explore with their mouths as a part of their development and learning and so are more at risk of choking. If any small parts generate this is a critical issue. 

Plush

• All plush toys are suitable for all ages and generally washable (unless there’s a mechanism that can’t be soaked).  
• Fibre shedding, although can be alarming if a build up is seen around a child’s mouth/nose, is a perceived risk and unlikely to cause harm to the child. There are lots of long pile toys on the market with high shedding. If clumps pull out with a hard base this would be classed as a small part and a critical issue. If it’s just loose fibres no need to escalate.