A Complete Guide to the Inspection and Certification Process of Plastic Toys (with Detailed Steps)

May 9, 2026

There are a wide variety of children's toys, including plastic toys, plush toys, electronic toys, etc. Since children are prone to getting injured due to minor defects, quality control personnel must strictly ensure product quality. This article systematically summarizes the key points of quality inspection, testing, factory inspection and certification for plastic toys, for reference by the industry.
I. Pre-inspection of boxes (basis for inspection)
Number of boxes to be inspected: For the initial inspection (FRI), the principle is to take the square root of the total number of boxes; for re-inspection (RE-FRI), it is the square root of the total number of boxes multiplied by 2.
Randomness: The method of box selection should be changed frequently to avoid regularity; the box selection process must be carried out personally by the inspector or under their supervision.
Related: The box sampling records serve as the basis for verifying the compliance of the sampling procedures during the factory inspection.
II. Inspection of Outer and Inner Box Markings
The markings on the outer and inner boxes are crucial identifiers for the shipment and distribution of products. For example, "fragile" markings serve as a reminder for proper handling during transportation.
Careful inspection must be carried out. If there are any discrepancies, they must be clearly stated in the inspection report.
Certification requirements: The shipping mark should include mandatory marks such as CE, WEEE, and age classification.
III. Verification of Packaging Ratio against Customer Requirements
Check the ratio of outer and inner boxes as well as the packaging method of the products, and compare them with the packaging specifications provided by the customer.
Confirm the consistency of the products, samples and customer information.
Special Attention:
Do the actual functions and accessories of the plastic toys match the color pictures on the packaging and the instructions?
The labels and instructions inside the battery box.
CE mark, WEEE mark, age classification and other mandatory certification labels.
The readability and accuracy of barcodes.
IV. Appearance Inspection and On-site Testing (Core Inspection Items)
A) Appearance Inspection of Plastic Toys
Retail Packaging:
Free from dirt, damage or moisture.
The barcode, CE mark, instruction manual, importer's address, and place of origin must not be omitted.
The packaging method is correct.
When the circumference of the bag opening of the packaging plastic bag is ≥ 380mm, holes must be drilled and warning messages must be provided.
The color box is firmly bonded; the plastic film is free from any damage, wrinkles or indentations.
Plastic toy body:
No advantages, no disadvantages.
Toys for children under the age of three must not contain small parts (small parts test).
The instructions must not be omitted or printed unclearly.
The corresponding warning labels and decorative stickers must not be omitted from the product.
No insects, no mold stains, no unpleasant odors.
There are no omissions or errors in the components.
The components are free from deformation, dirtiness, damage, scratches or dents.
The fuel injection is without any defects, no leakage, and no incorrect spraying.
The injection molding process is free of bubbles, color spots and flow lines.
The parts' edges are sharp and the water injection ports are clean.
Function is normal.
The toys are displayed neatly and stand upright.
B) General plastic toy on-site testing (performance and safety inspection)
Complete assembly test: Consistent with the description in the manual and the packaging color box.
Full functional test: All functions conform to the description.
Product dimensions and weight: Verify the dimensions and weight to determine the consistency of the materials.
3M Tape Test: Evaluates the adhesion of printing, marking, and screen printing.
ISTA Drop Box Test: Conducted in the sequence of three sides and six surfaces.
Product drop test: Simulates drops during use.
Tensile test: Specifically for toys for children under 3 years old, this test assesses the strength of small components (a mandatory certification item).
Test for toys with batteries:
Battery voltage measurement.
Adaptability inspection of imported model batteries (Fitting check).
Battery reverse installation test.
After the battery is assembled, gently drop the product (at a height of 3 inches) to check if the function is affected.
C) Additional test for remote control toy car (function verification)
Remote control distance test.
Remote-controlled straight-line driving test.
Remote control frequency test (excluding infrared).
Speed and cornering angle test.
If a high-voltage transformer (bull horn) is equipped, Hi-Pot (high-voltage insulation) tests, burn-in tests (burning test), and power cord tensile tests must be conducted; at the same time, the pre-installed fuses and plugs must comply with the standards of the importing country.
If a rechargeable battery is included, a charging test is required.
V. Linkage between Factory Audit and Product Certification
Factory Audit: The inspection should cover the injection molding, painting, assembly, and packaging processes of plastic toy manufacturing enterprises; the calibration records of testing equipment (tensile testers, multimeters, drop test platforms, remote control testing areas, etc.); the qualifications of inspection personnel; and the certification of harmful substances in raw materials (plastic pellets, paints, batteries) (such as REACH, RoHS, CPSIA).
Product Certification: Exported toys must pass the certification of the target market (such as EU CE/EN71, US ASTM F963, China CCC/GB 6675). During the inspection process, check the consistency between the labels, instructions and the certifications.
Continuous improvement: Non-conformities identified during the inspection (such as burrs, insufficient tensile strength, incorrect labels) should be documented in a rectification report. The process should be closed-looped through the factory inspection and a quality traceability file should be established.
Through the above inspection, testing, factory verification and certification processes, it is ensured that plastic toy products meet all the requirements in terms of mechanical and physical safety, combustion performance, heavy metal limits, and label compliance, effectively reducing the risk of recalls and safeguarding children's health. For more professional content, please continue to follow this column.