What does Swiss law say?
The Ordinance on Toy Safety sets the requirements for toys placed on the market in Switzerland. It takes over the content of the EU toy directive, which allows mutual recognition of conformity assessments between Switzerland and the EU.
Manufacturers, importers and distributors must check for themselves that their products meet these requirements. Cantonal authorities carry out market checks.
What do the EN 71 standards cover?
The EN 71 series turns the legal requirements into concrete tests. The parts most often cited:
- EN 71-1: mechanical and physical properties (small parts, edges, strength)
- EN 71-2: flammability
- EN 71-3: migration of certain elements, including for paints and varnishes
Why does the stated age matter so much in a daycare?
Toys intended for children under 36 months must not contain small parts that could be swallowed. An item marked as not suitable for under-threes has no place in the baby or toddler group, even under supervision.
In mixed-age groups, store such materials out of reach of the youngest and bring them out for supervised activities.
What about climbing structures?
Activity toys such as climbing arches and triangles fall under a specific part of the standard, intended for domestic use. For use in a group setting, check with the supplier that the item is intended for it and ask for the permitted load, the intended age and the assembly instructions.
Which questions should you ask a supplier?
- Which age range is the item intended for?
- Which parts of EN 71 was it tested against?
- Can you provide the declaration of conformity?
- Which paints and varnishes are used?
- Is the item suitable for use in a group setting?
- How is it cleaned, and does it tolerate a disinfectant?
Good to know
This page summarises the general framework and is not legal advice. For the text in force, see the ordinance on the federal law platform (Fedlex) and the information from the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).