--- title: "Exporting Plush to the European Union: Rules, Duty, Labels | Takara" description: "What plush and merchandise made in Vietnam need to sell in the European Union: toy safety rules, import duty and tax, required marks, labels and documents." url: https://takarahq.com/export/european-union lang: en last_updated: 2026-11-09 publisher: "Takara Corporation JSC (takarahq.com)" --- # 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 2026 4 requirements for plush 3 sources [Get a quote for this market](https://takarahq.com/contact) Selling somewhere else? - [USUnited States](https://takarahq.com/export/united-states) - [EUEuropean Union](https://takarahq.com/export/european-union) - [UKUnited Kingdom](https://takarahq.com/export/united-kingdom) - [JPJapan](https://takarahq.com/export/japan) - [KRSouth Korea](https://takarahq.com/export/south-korea) - [AUAustralia](https://takarahq.com/export/australia) - [CACanada](https://takarahq.com/export/canada) - [SGSingapore](https://takarahq.com/export/singapore) - [VNVietnam](https://takarahq.com/export/vietnam) ## 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 -3** Mechanical and physical properties, flammability and migration of elements are the core tests for plush. - **REACH** Restricted substances under Annex XVII and SVHC disclosure above 0.1%. - **An EU operator is required** Products need an economic operator established in the EU who holds the documents and answers authorities. - **Origin proof for EVFTA** The 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 & toys** 2 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. **Apparel** 1 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. **Drinkware** 2 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. **Electronics** 4 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 market** List every market and retailer at inquiry. It sets the tests and the eligible partner factories. 2. **Design for testing** Components, colors and labels are chosen so testing stays clear and affordable. 3. **Test before production** Accredited labs test the approved sample and risky components on production materials. 4. **Label and document** Marks, 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, Vietnam](https://takarahq.com/insights-toy-safety-compliance-matrix) [Exporting from Vietnam: Incoterms to container](https://takarahq.com/insights-manufacturing-export-guide) ## 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](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/toys/toy-safety_en) 2. [EU, Access2Markets (tariffs and rules of origin)](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/home) 3. [EU, TARIC database](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp) ## 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. [Get a quote](https://takarahq.com/contact) [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/84906672348)