I have to admit, I was quite naive when I first started to make my crocheted dolls. Amigurumi was the ultimate crochet level up for me and when I successfully achieved it I was so pleased with myself, the legalities of selling them didn't really occur to me.
When you first hear about CE testing, a legal requirement to sell your soft toys within the EU, it can be a little off putting to say the least. As a maker you just want to be able to create but it seems there's so much red tape to get through first. It can be totally overwhelming but, having recently gone through the process of self certifying, it absolutely can be done
Don't give up!
It's a lot to take in at first but there's plenty of support available. A wealth of information can be found on dedicated Facebook groups, created by people who have been through (and survived!) the CE process. Downloadable packs, such as the Conformance self certification pack for handmade soft toys, are incredibly useful and really help to break down the whole process, as well as providing templates to complete all the required paperwork. These packs are not compulsory but help to explain all elements of the testing and I found it well worth the small fee.
CE testing is a legal requirement but I also see it as a way of perfecting your craft. It's helped me adapt and improve the pattern I was using to make it fully compliant. I perfected my pattern before testing, I didn't want to have to make more then the 2 dolls needed just to torture and burn! For me that meant creating a (relatively) no sew doll, crocheted from the head down, this removed the risk of sewn on arms failing the tension tests. I used a tiny 2mm hook with dk weight yarn to make my single crochet stitches super tight. I may have the blisters to show for it but after all tests there are no holes big enough for any stuffing to come out.
As well of the physical tests you'll need to source certificates for all materials used to show they comply with EN71 regulations on chemical migration. I chose to use patons dk yarn and trimits stuffing and safety eyes, all of which are tested and certificates are available. I've found most suppliers have been super helpful in sending the information needed via email
My top tips would be take you're time, read as much information as possible and try to have an extra pair of hands to help with the testing and photography to document your results. Once you get through it it will be so worth it. You can feel extra confident in your makes and attach that CE label with pride
I can't wait to share my full range of mermaid dolls with you all soon!
Hayley
When you first hear about CE testing, a legal requirement to sell your soft toys within the EU, it can be a little off putting to say the least. As a maker you just want to be able to create but it seems there's so much red tape to get through first. It can be totally overwhelming but, having recently gone through the process of self certifying, it absolutely can be done
Don't give up!
It's a lot to take in at first but there's plenty of support available. A wealth of information can be found on dedicated Facebook groups, created by people who have been through (and survived!) the CE process. Downloadable packs, such as the Conformance self certification pack for handmade soft toys, are incredibly useful and really help to break down the whole process, as well as providing templates to complete all the required paperwork. These packs are not compulsory but help to explain all elements of the testing and I found it well worth the small fee.
CE testing is a legal requirement but I also see it as a way of perfecting your craft. It's helped me adapt and improve the pattern I was using to make it fully compliant. I perfected my pattern before testing, I didn't want to have to make more then the 2 dolls needed just to torture and burn! For me that meant creating a (relatively) no sew doll, crocheted from the head down, this removed the risk of sewn on arms failing the tension tests. I used a tiny 2mm hook with dk weight yarn to make my single crochet stitches super tight. I may have the blisters to show for it but after all tests there are no holes big enough for any stuffing to come out.
As well of the physical tests you'll need to source certificates for all materials used to show they comply with EN71 regulations on chemical migration. I chose to use patons dk yarn and trimits stuffing and safety eyes, all of which are tested and certificates are available. I've found most suppliers have been super helpful in sending the information needed via email
My top tips would be take you're time, read as much information as possible and try to have an extra pair of hands to help with the testing and photography to document your results. Once you get through it it will be so worth it. You can feel extra confident in your makes and attach that CE label with pride
I can't wait to share my full range of mermaid dolls with you all soon!
Hayley
Very nice blog...... Hot Tot Hair Products seems to be very useful.... I would like to try them if i could buy them in Australia.... Nice work, keep it up.
ReplyDeletece certification cost
ce certification
ReplyDelete"Amigurumi dolls" is redundant. Amigurumi literally means "crocheted or knitted doll" so saying "Amigurumi dolls" is like saying "dolls dolls".
ReplyDelete