Exporting plush and merchandise to the European Union

Toys sold in the EU must meet the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, usually shown through the EN 71 series, carry the CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity, and name an economic operator established in the EU. A new Toy Safety Regulation will replace the directive after a transition period.

Checked 9 Nov 20264 requirements for plush3 sources

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At a glance

Import duty from Vietnam
Vietnam-origin goods qualify for EVFTA preferential rates with a statement on origin; otherwise the EU third-country rate applies. Check TARIC for your CN code (stuffed toys: 9503 00 41).
Tax at import
Import VAT at the rate of the member state of import.
Marks
CE marking.
Key document
EU Declaration of Conformity and a technical documentation file.
Labels
The language(s) of each country where the toy is sold; manufacturer and importer details on the toy or packaging.
Responsible party
The importer or EU responsible person, with the manufacturer’s technical file.

Easy to miss

  • EN 71-1, -2 and -3Mechanical and physical properties, flammability and migration of elements are the core tests for plush.
  • REACHRestricted substances under Annex XVII and SVHC disclosure above 0.1%.
  • An EU operator is requiredProducts need an economic operator established in the EU who holds the documents and answers authorities.
  • Origin proof for EVFTAThe preferential rate depends on meeting EVFTA origin rules and a valid statement on origin.

Requirements by product

Pick your product. Indicative checklist from Takara’s market rule set; the accredited lab confirms the final scope.

Plush & toys2 tests · 1 document · 1 label

  • Test
    EN 71-1, EN 71-2, EN 71-3

    Mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and migration of certain elements. Other parts of EN 71 apply depending on materials and features.

  • Test
    REACH (Annex XVII & SVHC)

    Restricted substances such as certain phthalates, azo dyes, nickel and PAHs, plus disclosure of Substances of Very High Concern above 0.1%.

  • Document
    Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC

    Requires a safety assessment, technical file, EU Declaration of Conformity and CE marking. A new EU Toy Safety Regulation is replacing it after a transition period; confirm the dates with your lab.

  • Label
    Operator details & local-language warnings

    Manufacturer and EU importer or responsible person name and address, a product identifier, and warnings in the language of each country of sale.

Apparel1 test · 1 document · 2 labels

  • Test
    REACH (Annex XVII & SVHC)

    Restricted substances such as certain phthalates, azo dyes, nickel and PAHs, plus disclosure of Substances of Very High Concern above 0.1%.

  • Document
    General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988

    Non-toy consumer products need a risk analysis, technical documentation, an EU-based responsible economic operator and traceability information.

  • Label
    Operator details & local-language warnings

    Manufacturer and EU importer or responsible person name and address, a product identifier, and warnings in the language of each country of sale.

  • Label
    Textile Regulation (EU) 1007/2011

    Fibre composition label using the standard EU fibre names, in the language of each country of sale.

Drinkware2 tests · 1 document · 1 label

  • Test
    REACH (Annex XVII & SVHC)

    Restricted substances such as certain phthalates, azo dyes, nickel and PAHs, plus disclosure of Substances of Very High Concern above 0.1%.

  • Test
    Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 & (EU) 10/2011

    Food-contact materials need migration testing and a Declaration of Compliance; plastics follow 10/2011. German buyers often also ask for LFGB testing.

  • Document
    General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988

    Non-toy consumer products need a risk analysis, technical documentation, an EU-based responsible economic operator and traceability information.

  • Label
    Operator details & local-language warnings

    Manufacturer and EU importer or responsible person name and address, a product identifier, and warnings in the language of each country of sale.

Electronics4 tests · 2 documents · 1 label

  • Test
    EN 71-1, EN 71-2, EN 71-3

    Mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and migration of certain elements. Other parts of EN 71 apply depending on materials and features.

  • Test
    EN IEC 62115 (electric toys)

    Electrical safety standard for toys with batteries, motors, lights or sound.

  • Test
    REACH (Annex XVII & SVHC)

    Restricted substances such as certain phthalates, azo dyes, nickel and PAHs, plus disclosure of Substances of Very High Concern above 0.1%.

  • Test
    CE: RED / EMC / LVD & RoHS

    Radio Equipment, EMC or Low Voltage directives depending on the product, plus RoHS limits on hazardous substances in electronics.

  • Document
    Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC

    Requires a safety assessment, technical file, EU Declaration of Conformity and CE marking. A new EU Toy Safety Regulation is replacing it after a transition period; confirm the dates with your lab.

  • Document
    WEEE & Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542

    Producer registration and the crossed-out wheelie-bin mark for electronics and batteries in each country of sale.

  • Label
    Operator details & local-language warnings

    Manufacturer and EU importer or responsible person name and address, a product identifier, and warnings in the language of each country of sale.

Selling through retailers or under license (2 more)
  • Audit
    Retailer test protocol & factory audit

    Major retailers usually set their own lab test protocol and require a social-compliance audit (for example amfori BSCI or Sedex SMETA) at the producing partner factory. These programs are generally practical for relatively large orders.

  • Audit
    Licensor approvals & factory program

    Licensors approve the concept, pre-production and final samples, and some (for example Disney FAMA) require production at an authorized partner factory. Authorized facilities are limited and generally practical for larger orders.

How Takara handles it

  1. Declare the marketList every market and retailer at inquiry. It sets the tests and the eligible partner factories.
  2. Design for testingComponents, colors and labels are chosen so testing stays clear and affordable.
  3. Test before productionAccredited labs test the approved sample and risky components on production materials.
  4. Label and documentMarks, local-language labels and your importer’s documents are ready before shipment.

Custom plush for export starts at 1,000 pieces per design, because testing is a fixed cost per design.

Read next

Toy safety matrix: US, EU, UK, VietnamExporting from Vietnam: Incoterms to container

Questions

Do plush toys need CE marking in the EU?

Yes. Toys need the CE marking, backed by an EU Declaration of Conformity and a technical file, usually based on EN 71 testing.

Is there EU import duty on plush from Vietnam?

Vietnam-origin goods qualify for EVFTA preferential rates with a valid statement on origin. Check the current rate for your CN code in TARIC.

Does an ASTM F963 report work in the EU?

No. The EU relies on the EN 71 series and REACH. Declare every market upfront so one program covers both.

Sources

Checked on 9 November 2026. General information, not legal or customs advice: confirm the rate for your exact tariff code and the requirements for your product with a customs broker or accredited lab.

  1. European Commission, Toy safety
  2. EU, Access2Markets (tariffs and rules of origin)
  3. EU, TARIC database

Planning plush for the European Union?

Send the design, quantity, age grade and sales channel. Takara replies within 3 business days with a quote that includes testing and documents.

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