EN 71-1 Clause 8.3 Torque Test Operation Guideline

1. Test Purpose

This test simulates the action of children gripping protruding parts of toys with thumb and forefinger and twisting forcefully during play. It assesses whether the parts will lead to the following hazards under torque:

· Detach and become small parts (choking hazard)

· Generate sharp edges (laceration risk) or sharp points (puncture risk)

· Expose hazardous components such as springs, magnets and expanding materials

· Damage ventilation structures, locking devices or protective features of the toy

As one of the core tests for mechanical and physical properties of toys, this test is often performed in conjunction with the tension test (8.4.2.1). A clear sequence and conditional relationship apply to the two tests.

2. Scope of Application

2.1 Toys and Components Subject to Torque Test

In accordance with scenarios referenced in EN 71-1:2026 Clause 8.3, the following toys or components must undergo the torque test:

Important Note: For clauses marked with when tested according to 8.3 and 8.4.2.1, the torque test shall be conducted first. Whether to perform the subsequent tension test is determined based on the torque test results (see Section 5).

2.2 Components to Be Tested

The torque test applies to parts grippable by thumb and forefinger. The judgment criteria are as follows:

Step 1: Direct Grip Test

Attempt to grip the part with thumb and forefinger. Parts that can be gripped (regardless of thickness, provided the protrusion length is sufficient): a) Slender rods (e.g. antennas, thin handles) b) Thick long grips (e.g. cranks, handholds) c) Spherical / hemispherical parts (with adequate protrusion) d) Flat thin pieces (with adequate protrusion) → Torque test required

Step 2: Feeler Gauge Inspection (per 8.4.2.1) (If direct gripping is not possible)

If the part is too short or tiny to grip directly, insert a 0.4 mm thick feeler gauge (see Figure 26) into the gap between the part and the toy main body at an angle of 0°~10° with a force of (10 ± 1) N.

· Insertion depth ＞ 2 mm: Regarded as grippable → Torque test required (fingers can reach into the gap to apply force)

· Insertion depth ≤ 2 mm: Regarded as non-grippable → Torque test not required (tension test may still be needed per relevant clauses)

3. Pre-test Preparation

3.1 Test Equipment & Tools

3.2 Sample Preparation

· Use brand-new toys that have not undergone any prior tests.

· Assemble the toy strictly in accordance with the instruction manual if assembly is required.

· Inspect and record all components subject to torque test (photos are recommended).

· For toys for children under 36 months (Clause 5), all grippable parts shall be tested.

3.3 Environmental Conditions

· Temperature: 20 ± 5°C

· Humidity: No special requirements; avoid extremely dry environment to prevent plastic embrittlement.

4. Detailed Test Procedures

Step 1: Verify Test Requirement

Determine whether the component needs torque test following the grippability criteria in 2.2.

Step 2: Mark Original Position

Draw alignment lines on both the component and toy main body. Mark a reference point for round components such as spheres.

Step 3: Fix the Toy (If Necessary)

Secure the toy main body with a soft-jaw clamp if it tends to rotate as a whole. Do not clamp the test component or fragile areas.

Step 4: Apply Clockwise Torque

1. Clamp the component with the chuck or adapter of the torque meter, as close to the root as possible.

2. Gradually increase the torque within 5 seconds; do not apply sudden impact force.

3. Stop the test once either condition is met: a) The component rotates by 180° from its original position b) The torque reaches 0.34 Nm

4. Maintain the torque or rotation angle for 10 seconds.

Step 5: Release Torque & Conduct Inspection

Slowly release the torque and let the component return naturally (do not reset it manually). Observe and record the following: a) Whether the rotation exceeds 180° b) Whether the torque reaches 0.34 Nm c) Cracks, breakage or detachment of the component d) Generation of sharp edges or sharp points

Step 6: Apply Counter-clockwise Torque

Repeat Step 4 and Step 5 in the counter-clockwise direction, and record all results.

Step 7: Special Component Handling

7.1 Threaded components (e.g. knobs, screw-fixed lids)

If the component loosens before rotating 180° during torque application, continue applying torque until one of the following occurs: a) Torque reaches 0.34 Nm b) The component is completely unscrewed and detached c) Further loosening is impossible (e.g. thread slipping) Record the final status.

7.2 Components mounted on rotating shafts / rods (e.g. wheels, cranks)

Clamp the shaft or rod first to prevent it from rotating together with the component, then apply torque to the component.

Step 8: Post-test Inspection

8.1 Component remains attached (with or without cracks)

· Check for sharp edges and sharp points using the test methods in 8.11 and 8.12.

· Check for exposure of internal hazardous parts (springs, magnets, expanding materials, etc.).

· Keep records and decide whether to proceed with the tension test per relevant clauses (see Section 5).

8.2 Component detaches completely

· Collect all detached fragments.

· Perform small parts test (8.2): Place fragments into the small parts cylinder to judge if they fully pass through.

· Perform sharp edge test (8.11) and sharp point test (8.12).

· No tension test is required as the component no longer remains on the toy.

· Check if new sharp edges or sharp points are formed on the residual fixing structure.

8.3 Partially damaged but not fully detached

Clamp the remaining part and decide whether to conduct the tension test per relevant clauses (see Section 5).

5. General Precautions

1. Always use a torque meter for gradual loading; do not twist by hand with brute force. Manual torque can easily exceed 0.34 Nm.

2. Grippability is judged by protrusion length and feeler gauge insertion depth, instead of merely component thickness.

3. Distinguish between rotation and slippage: If the component slips on smooth surfaces before rotating 180°, record the maximum torque value and confirm detachment status.

4. Threaded components that unscrew at torque below 0.34 Nm are regarded as detached; compliance of detached parts shall be assessed.

5. One complete test consists of clockwise and counter-clockwise torsion on a single component; repeated testing is unnecessary.

6. All identical components on one toy shall be tested individually (e.g. four wheels of a toy car).

7. A non-detached component does not equal safety: Still check for functional damage, cracks, sharp edges, sharp points and exposed hazardous parts.

8. Component detachment does not necessarily result in failure: If the detached part is reinstallable, does not affect toy functions, and is not a small part with no sharp edges/points, the toy may still pass for toys for children over 36 months.

9. Stricter requirements for toys for children under 36 months: Per 5.1 b), no small parts, sharp edges, sharp points, exposed magnets or springs are allowed after torque test.

10. Special requirement for suction cups: Per 5.13 a), detached suction cups shall not fully pass through Template E (small parts template), and all other requirements shall also be met.

6. Compliance Criteria (Combined with Relevant Clauses)

Special Remark for Toys for Children under 36 months (Clause 5):Any detached parts, sharp edges or sharp points are prohibited after torque test. The detachment itself is non-compliant even if the detached part is not a small part, unless explicitly exempted by relevant clauses.

7. Documentation

1. Laboratory test report

2. Test photos and videos

8. FAQ

Q1: Does a tiny component that cannot be gripped directly by thumb and forefinger require torque test? A: It depends.

· Slender components with sufficient protrusion (e.g. antennas): Grippable → Torque test required.

· Tiny components with short protrusion (e.g. small buttons with 2~3 mm protrusion): Use 0.4 mm feeler gauge per 8.4.2.1.

o Insertion depth ＞ 2 mm → Torque test required

o Insertion depth ≤ 2 mm → Torque test not required

Q2: Is tension test needed if the component detaches after torque test? A: No. The tension test targets the original component which no longer exists. Only inspect the detached part for small parts, sharp edges and sharp points.

Q3: Is tension test needed if the component remains attached but has cracks after torque test? A: Yes. The tension test shall be performed on the same component, as tension may expand cracks or cause detachment and reveal potential hazards.

Q4: Is flexible rubber component acceptable if it deforms under torsion without detachment? A: It is acceptable if no detachment, sharp edges, sharp points or exposed hazardous parts occur. Record "flexible rubber deformation" in documents.

Q5: Do multiple identical components on one toy all need testing? A: Each component can be tested individually. Alternatively, test one sample; if it passes, the rest identical parts can be exempted (state this clearly in records).

Q6: Is the toy compliant if the detached part is not a small part but the toy is intended for children under 36 months? A: Fail. Per 5.1 b), any detachment is prohibited for toys for children under 36 months regardless of the size of detached parts, unless exempted.

Q7: Does the T-shaped plastic handle on packaging require torque test? A: No. Clause 6 d) only applies to packaging parts that are balls or cylindrical parts with rounded ends. T-shaped handles are excluded. However, if the handle is grippable during normal use and falls under other clauses (e.g. 5.1), relevant tests shall be conducted accordingly.

9. Reference Documents (EN 71-1:2026 Clauses)

· 8.3 Torque test (Main test method)

· 8.4.2.1 Tension test, general (Tension test following torque test)

· 8.2 Small parts cylinder (Small part assessment)

· 8.11 Sharpness of edges

· 8.12 Sharpness of points

· 8.31 Magnetic flux index (Magnet safety assessment)

· 4.6, 4.11, 4.14, 4.17, 4.18, 4.22, 4.23, 4.25, 4.28, 5.1, 5.10, 5.12, 5.13, Clause 6 (Clauses referencing torque test)

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