I am a crochet toy maker (based in Plymouth) currently in the process of setting up my Folksy shop, Persik Bunnies. I’m at the stage of compiling my technical file for UKCA self-certification, and I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock regarding safety components.
I am absolutely in love with the “Pinterest-style” look—specifically those large, soulful 20mm glittery safety eyes and soft flocked (velvet) noses.
I’ve spent hours searching for UK suppliers, but I’m struggling to find:
20mm Glitter/Galaxy eyes that come with a proper EN71-3 Declaration of Conformity.
Flocked (velvet) safety noses with the same certification.
I’ve seen plenty of “bestsellers” on Etsy, but most of them don’t provide certificates when asked.
My questions to the lovely Folksy community are:
Do you have any secret UK-based suppliers for these “fancy” safety components that are definitely EN71-3 compliant?
Or, if you can’t find certified glitter eyes, do you buy clear EN71-3 compliant bases and “DIY” the glitter backing yourselves?
For the noses—should I give up on finding certified “flocked” ones and switch to embroidered or crocheted noses for total safety?
I’d love to hear how you balance that high-end “boutique” look with strict UK safety regulations.
"Actually, that’s exactly why I won’t use random glitter or uncertified materials. My process is built on safety standards. I use the ‘Golden Standard’ of professional acrylics — Daler-Rowney System 3.
It is officially EN71-3 compliant (toy safe), meaning it’s been lab-tested and is free from harmful heavy metals. I apply it to the back of a certified clear safety eye and seal it with a specific Toy Safe Sealer (also EN71-3). This creates a ‘safety sandwich’ where the paint is physically inaccessible to a child. Safety isn’t just about the parts; it’s about the chemistry and the technical file behind them. "
!
Lois is right. If you alter a component regardless of what you use. The manufacturers will no longer support that product.
A story most of us know about this one.
A lady bought bridal shoes, then altered them applying rhinestones to the heels and on the front of the shoe. A bride bought a pair, on her wedding day the heel gave way, sprained her ankle, ended up in A & E. Sued the seller who tried the manufacturers for recompense but they said altered therefore not liable, she lost her house.
If you are altering check with the manufacturers in writing first.
I presume you have Public and Product liability insurance check with them as well.
You also mention not intended as a toy but have a photograph of a child a bit confusing.
Tactile Craft supplies have just started selling tested glitter eyes and they have 20mm ones, here’s some links. They provide you with the required EN71-3 and Reach certificates (which are also required for eyes etc) for free when you purchase over a certain amount ( I think it may be 20 pairs) They also sell lots of other tested items including noses, fabrics, and buttons etc.
Have you had a look and joined the Facebook group I shared the other day as they have albums full of tested components yarns etc with all the required certifications, some which have been tested privately by members or by the group rather than by the manufacturer as lots of manufacturers do not test their products to UK toy safety standards. Here’s a link again in case you missed it The admin on the group are so knowledgeable and can answer most questions and other makers share their processes etc so I have managed to find most of the info I have been needing while testing my new toys on the group, saving hours of research
I hope you manage to find what you are looking for x
Hi, Just a thought, if you are currently doing CE testing for your rabbits the ones you have in your shop should not be offered for sale as they have not been tested. CE testing isn’t just about buying notions that have passed safely regs there’s a lot of testing on the products as well, also as someone else mentioned you must check your insurance provider will cover you for making toys.
Hope you find what you are looking for, good luck with your shop, your rabbits are very cute.
I would advise you to speak to whichever organisation tests toy components and awards the certification. Just putting two “safe” components together doesn’t automatically make the hybrid safe.
