Manufacturers of children’s seating are
reminded that in July 2021 the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
published a new standard – EN 17191:2021.
The
standard applies to both domestic and non-domestic seating used by children who
can walk and sit by themselves. It aims to improve safety and considers the
hazards listed in the Decision of the European
Commission 2013/121/EU and the Commission Implementing Decision M/527 of
22.7.2014. Stakeholders should be aware it does not apply to seating used in
educational institutions, which are covered by EN 1729 parts 1 and 2.
EN 17191:2021 defines three sizes of
seat:
- Size 1 – seating
intended for young children, up to three years of age (approximately) - Size 2 – four to seven
years (approximately) - Size 3 – up to 14
years
[if !supportLists]
Size is determined by measuring the height of the seat
from the ground or footrest. Stakeholders should be aware these age ranges are guides
and there is no obligation to mark or limit the use of seating to these age
limits.
The standard includes general safety requirements
relating to, inter alia, edges, gaps, locking mechanisms, enclosures,
packaging, and the use of magnets. Additionally, there are specific safety
conditions relating to Size 1 seats, including requirements relating to
strangulation, chocking and suffocation.
To see a detailed overview of these provisions, read
SGS’s original SafeGuard 115/21, which also includes
details of how strength, durability and stability are to be assessed.
The standard also includes a requirement relating to
product information, which states it must highlight clearly essential warnings
and safety information.
EN 17191:2021 is a voluntary standard that can be used
to demonstrate compliance with the General Product Safety Directive. National
standards organizations bound to CEN/CENELEC are required to give it the status
of a national standard, and withdraw conflicting standards, by January 2022. Stakeholders
should follow national legislation in the UK and in EU Member States with their
own legislation.
SGS Childcare Product Services
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with
relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They
provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and
inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations
worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being
brought to the market. Learn more about SGS’s Childcare Product
Services.
SGS
SafeGuardS
keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods
industry. Read the full New European Standard on Seating for Children
Published SafeGuardS.
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For
further information contact:
Catherine
Follin-Arbelet
Juvenile
Products International Expert
Tel:
+33 6 28 50 25 88
Email:
crs.media@sgs.com
Website:
www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn:
sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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