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TOYS

Our solutions for toys

The Swiss Toy Ordinance (VSS) ) lays down binding health and safety requirements for toys. It is based on the European directives and refers in particular to the EN 71 series of standards, which regulates the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of toys.

For manufacturers, importers and retailers, this means that conformity is not a "can" but a "must". This includes correct labeling, a legally valid declaration of conformity and, if necessary, comprehensive test reports.

In this way, the VSS makes an important contribution to ensuring that children can play with safe products and that parents can rely on tested quality.

We support you in reliably implementing the requirements of the VSS. With our expertise and modern test laboratories, we ensure that your products meet all legal requirements - and that children can play safely.

We are the partner for Toy safety of the Association Suisse des Jouets (ASJ)

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We support you in all phases of your conformity assessment procedure

Before a toy is placed on the market, it must be tested to confirm compliance with all safety requirements. In most cases, an internal inspection is sufficient.
We accompany and support you in all phases of this conformity assessment procedure.

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    Is your product a toy?

    According to the Swiss Ordinance on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles, toys areall objects that are intended or designed to be used for play by children up to the age of fourteen. To be considered a toy, an object does not have to be intended exclusively for the purpose of play. Articles with a different main purpose can therefore also be legally considered toys.

    Conversely, the Toy Safety Ordinance describes numerous exceptions: several products that appear to be toys at first glance do not legally fall under this category.

    Our expertise: We support you in assessing whether your product should be classified as a toy - and if so, for which age category. This gives you clarity and legal certainty.

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    Safety assessment

    The Swiss Toy Ordinance obliges manufacturers to carry out a safety assessment before placing a toy on the market for the first time.

    This comprises two central steps:

    • Hazard analysis - investigation of all risks that may arise from the chemical, physical, mechanical or electrical properties, as well as from flammability, hygiene or even radioactivity.

    • Exposure assessment - assessment of the extent to which children or third parties could be exposed to these hazards in everyday life.

    We provide you with expert support in preparing your safety assessment.

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    Requirements

    When it comes to toys, the safety of your child is paramount. In Switzerland, all toys must pass strict tests, including EN 71, the European standard that ensures that toys are free of harmful substances, robust and age-appropriate. It must not contain any toxic substances, must not have any small parts that can be swallowed and must be mechanically stable. Thanks to clear labeling, parents can immediately see that the toy meets the legal requirements.

    We will be happy to show you which standards and requirements are relevant for your product so that you can plan with confidence.

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    Test program

    Do you need tests for your conformity assessment procedure?

    We check the existing documentation for your product and give you recommendations on the tests that are still required.

    We carry out most of the tests directly in-house. If this is not possible, we will work with a partner laboratory, of course only with your consent.

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    Declaration of conformity

    If a toy meets the safety requirements, the manufacturer issues a declaration of conformity. This confirms that the toy complies with the regulations. The declaration is written in German, French, Italian or English and contains all the necessary information. The manufacturer and importer must keep it for ten years, keep it up to date and make it available to the authorities if required.

    If you have any questions about the declaration of conformity, please do not hesitate to contact us!

    What advantages does partnering with us offer you?

    Beyond the services we offer to our customers, our staff also take part in internal and external research projects, allowing them to constantly broaden their horizons.

    You benefit from this ongoing knowledge growth in the form of quick and creative solutions to your challenges.

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    «Thank you very much for the comprehensive report and professional support. I am, once again, thrilled with the quality of work at RMS. The results are very helpful to us and help us gain a better understanding of our challenges.»


     

    Justus Schällibaum
    Senior Process Development Engineer, Sonova AG
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    «The RMS Foundation is an important partner for us because of its long-standing and profound expertise in medical technology, as well as its ISO 17025 certification. We value our collaboration with the RMS Foundation because we are highly appreciated as a customer, and communication is always straightforward and pleasant. The network with the RMS Foundation and other companies in the canton is economically significant for us, as the short distances save us a lot of time and help avoid potential misunderstandings.»

     

    Patrick Burki
    Head of R&D, 41medical
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    «We value the broad expertise in consulting and testing — a partner for many topics. Fast, personal, close, and competent — that's why we enjoy working with RMS.»

     

    Marcel Estermann
    Head of Development and Production, Member of the Management Board, Thommen Medical
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    «We appreciate working with the RMS Foundation because we depend on quick and top-quality analyses, and the RMS Foundation consistently provides them.»

     

    Tobias Moser
    CEO / Head of Sales, Galvano Wullimann Metallveredelung
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    «Collaboration with the RMS Foundation is very enjoyable, particularly the highly professional SEM analyses performed by the well-qualified and helpful experts. Even with the most urgent and short-notice requests, we are always served with great courtesy. Deadlines are crucial, and we have never been let down by RMS in this respect.»

     

    Dr. Johann Rechberger
    Head of Materials and Surface Technology, Fraisa
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    «Over the past few years, we have utilized RMS's services multiple times. We value our collaboration with the RMS Foundation because it allows us to easily access h high-standard analytical methods of scientific quality.»

     

    Carlo Weingart
    MC Micro Crystal Switzerland
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    «Collaboration with the staff of the RMS Foundation is pleasant, straightforward, and solution-oriented. They are highly trained and have a vast knowledge base, offering us guidance and support.»

     

    Ulrike Füss
    Head of Analytics & QP, Borer Advanced Cleaning Solutions
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    «Thank you and your team for the great work, looking forward to working with you again!»

     

    Amaury Migeotte
    R&D Engineer, NOVOSTIA

    Which questions are frequently asked about toy testing?

    How do I find a suitable test method for my question?

    Discuss your concerns with our experts. They will be happy to help you determine the best course of action.

    I'm not sure what exactly my problem is or how to formulate it. Am I still in the right place at the RMS Foundation?
    Absolutely! We go through the issues with you and work together to find the actual causes. As soon as a possible solution becomes clear, we are happy to carry out the necessary tests.
    What do you need to be able to carry out an analysis?
    In general, we need both the test object and a binding test order. This can be a formal order based on a quotation, but also a more informal e-mail.
    What do the services of the RMS Foundation cost?
    The exact question and the number of test objects can have a major influence on the test costs. We will be happy to provide you with a quote tailored to your specific requirements.
    I urgently need an analysis. Can I bring my samples to the RMS Foundation quickly?

    You are welcome to bring the samples by. Just give us a quick call beforehand and we will receive your samples. Depending on our workload, we will process them immediately. We also offer express deliveries if you need them very quickly.

    Are the services offered accredited?
    Yes, our services are validated and accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. If a required service has not yet been validated, we can easily validate it for you.
    How long does it take until I receive my results?

    We usually process smaller orders within 10 working days (within the limits of our technical and human resources). Contact us for the option of prioritized processing for an additional charge. For larger projects, we will be happy to propose a customized schedule.

    How do I get my results?

    We usually communicate the test results to you in the form of a test certificate. On request, we can prepare a more detailed reportfor you in which we can statistically process and interpret the results and/or make recommendations. We will be happy to send you both with a digital signature.

    How does the RMS Foundation ensure the confidentiality of my data?

    As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, confidentiality is our top priority. Further information on how we handle your data can be found in our GTC. Contact us for the possibility of additional protective measures for particularly sensitive data.

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    Who is your contact person?

    Aart Molenberg
    Dr. rer. nat., ir
    Managing Director
    Tel. +41 32 644 2020