On 29 October 2025, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published a new version of the European Standard EN 71-7, EN 71-7:2025 Safety of toys - Part 7: Finger paints - Requirements and test methods, superseding the previous version EN 71-7:2014+A3:2020.

The main technical changes are as follows:

1. Added requirements for booster substances (used for increasing the efficacy of preservatives): Only booster substances (in combination with preservatives) which are not fulfilling the hazard criteria in Clause 4.1 (except for H302, H315, H318, H319, H332, H335) shall be used in finger paints.
2. Finger paints, their colourants, binding agents, extenders, humectants and surfactants, shall not be classified to have endocrine disruption for human health.
3. Revised test method for pH value from EN ISO 787-9 (performed on finger paints diluted with water to mass fraction of 5%-10%) to be EN ISO 19396-1:2025 (performed on undiluted finger paints).
4. Amended test method for certain azo colourants and free primary aromatic amines.
5. Revised the list of preservatives allowed for use, the list of colourants, and the list of ingredients used in the manufacture of finger paints.
6. Removed contents on migration of certain elements and N-nitrosamines, since they have been stated in EN 71-3 and EN 71-12.
7.  Added definitions for pigments, dyestuffs, and booster substances, revised the definition for colourants

Note:

1. Hazard statements:
   H302 - Harmful if swallowed
   H315 - Causes skin irritation
   H318 - Causes serious eye damage
   H319 - Causes serious eye irritation
   H332 - Harmful if inhaled
   H335 - May cause respiratory irritation
2. In accordance with current knowledge, examples of booster substances used:
   Ethylhexylglycerin, phenethyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol

The new standard EN 71-7:2025 will be given the status of a national standard at the latest by April 2026, and the conflicting national standards will be withdrawn at the latest by October 2026. The standard is expected to become a harmonised standard under the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC after it is accepted by the European Commission and is published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

The standard EN 71-7:2025 has laid down the ingredient and labelling requirements for finger paints. Finger paints are aqueous semi-solid or liquid, coloured mixture specially designed for children to apply directly to suitable surfaces with the fingers and hands. In the case of powdered finger paints, where water needs to be added before use, the requirements of this document apply to the finger paint prepared according to the instructions for use.

Intertek China Hardlines labs are capable of providing you with testing services and technical support in compliance with the EU toy regulations and standards.

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