Good morning. I’m new to Folksy. I create heirloom amugurumi dolls which I was hoping to advertise and sell on Folksy. I spent a lot of time setting up my shop. I then came to the safety regulations part. I was shocked to see that I have to take about 3 of my dolls to be vigorously tested to see if they pass the safety regulations. And pay £150 - £200 for the said tests.
Is this really what I have to do?
I would appreciate any advice on this.
Thank you.
Hiya Ruth
I also make amigurumi toys and I have to test mine to the UKCA testing standard to be able to legally sell them in the UK. The good news is you most likely will only need to test one of each design you make and you can self test them at home with the help of a testing pack (I use the Conformance testing pack)
I have found the best place to start for expert knowledge and advice is the fabulous Facebook group CE & UKCA Marked soft toy support network and here is a link to the group.
I hope this info helps 
x
Thank you x
Well done for taking this seriously by the way and looking into what you need to do to be compliant. Many sellers (here and elsewhere) either have no idea or just assume the regulations don’t apply to them and put both their customers and themselves at risk.
Thanks Helen
Hi Ruth
What a refreshing change to see a new shop selling items aimed at children enquiring about safety testing before they put their items in sale. There are a few sellers on the forum who take it very seriously including Sharon above who can offer the best advice. It does sound quite alarming but I believe the process is straight forward using the pack mentioned. Regulations are getting tighter but it has to be be good thing where the safety of children is concerned. Good luck with it and with your Folksy shop.
Thank you Debbie.
I don’t think I can continue with my shop (that hasn’t even opened yet LOL)
After seeing a few YouTube videos on how they test, I’ve decided that I cannot risk having my dolls practically destroyed in the process. The yarn etc is expensive and never mind the long hours spent making them.
Sharon, I tried to join but unfortunately was declined. I have no idea why.
But in any case as I said to Debbie, I don’t think I will continue with this.
Thanks so much for trying to help x
Hi Ruth
That’s such a shame to hear, if you are making the same doll in similar yarns and your processes are the same you should only need to test one, once done you can then make as many as you wish in that design, could you possibly use one that you’ve already made as your test piece then when you have a few in your shop test another design to introduce.
I understand the cost involved but it does seem a shame if you enjoy creating them and want to start your own little business as wherever you choose to sell them you will need CE testing.
If they are Heirlooms or Collectables rather than being intended for children, there are exemptions. But you must be clear in your marketing that this is so, they must be priced accordingly, so they are obviously for display not playing, etc
I think they were intended for children Helen
Not suitable for children under 6.
Thanks Debby. I’ll think about.
Your input is much appreciated.
Thank you so much Helen. I will think about it.
Ah. It’s the word “heirlooms” that’s confused me!
Hi Ruth
As far as I’m aware if they are not suitable for children it should be under 14 years of age not 6 years.
@HelenCliffordArt yes it is confusing with ‘heirlooms’ in the shop name.
It depends on exactly what and to whom you are selling. I’ve been selling knitted animals for 20 years but not for children. I advertise them for grown-ups or display only. I endorse each listing with “not suitable for children under 14” and briefly why they are not suitable and that is also clearly shown in my shop rules. I never use the word “toys” anywhere to avoid this being seen as automatically child friendly. There is also a tick boxes on the listing page to show safety compliance is not applicable. I agree with all other posts that toys for children should be taken seriously but if your creations are not for children, it would be a shame not to proceed if it doesn’t really apply.