Update EN 71-14 - Trampolines for domestic use.

On July 23, 2019, the European Commission published Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1254 in the Official Journal of the European Union. This adopted the new standard for toy trampolines EN 71-14: 2018 as a harmonized standard under the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC. The main revision of the standard is the addition of in-ground built-in trampolines.

Trampolines fall within the scope of Directive 2009/48/EC toys for domestic use by one person at a time both indoors and outdoors. Since March 2015, toy trampolines must comply with the specific safety requirements of the standard EN 71-14. Trampolines in public play areas and trampolines for professional or fitness use are excluded from this.

EN 71-14 standard addresses aspects such as stability, entrapment, strength, crush hazard and sharp edges and points. If toy trampolines do not meet the safety requirements, risks such as muscle injury, joint injury, bruising or bone fracture due to bumping, falling or entrapment occur.

In response to the increasing supply of in-ground built-in trampolines on the market and to continue ensuring safety, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has revised the harmonized standard EN 71-14:2014+A1:2017 for trampolines. In its place is the new harmonized standard EN 71-14:2018.

Previously, in-ground built-in trampolines were still excluded from EN 71-14, requiring verification by EC type examination. Existing harmonized standards could only be partially applied. In an EC type-examination, a notified inspection body examines the technical design and sample for compliance with the essential requirements of the Toys Directive. With the new standard, EC type examination is no longer necessary.

Other changes in the new standard EN 71-14:2018 relate to the following aspects:

• definitions
• categories
• entrapment
• enclosures, durability of materials
• mat deflection due to load
• warnings, markings and instructions test methods.

Compliance with this new standard can create a presumption of conformity with the Toy Directive. Failure to comply is an offense. To ensure that manufacturers have sufficient time to adapt their toy trampolines to the revised specifications of the new standard, the current harmonized standard EN 71-14: 2014 + A1: 2017 is still valid until Jan. 22, 2020.

Need support?

Manufacturers and importers placing trampolines on the European market are advised to check whether their products meet the requirements set by the new standard and, if necessary, to have them retested and certified. Do you have questions about what specific requirements your toy trampolines or other toys need to meet? Précon Quality Services can help! We have a team with extensive experience in training, consulting and supporting product compliance for toys. Feel free to contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com.