EN 71-3 Plastics Packaging Migration of Heavy Metals Testing

The EN 71-3 standard is a European Union regulation that sets out requirements for the safety of toys and similar articles intended or likely to be used by children. This includes ensuring that no hazardous substances, including heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and others, are present in concentrations that could pose a risk to human health.

Packaging plastics often come into direct contact with foodstuffs or other consumer goods meant for children. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that any plastic packaging does not migrate harmful heavy metals into the contents it contains. This testing service ensures compliance with this regulation by measuring the migration of heavy metals from packaging materials.

The testing process involves several steps:

Sample preparation
Solution extraction using appropriate solvents
Analysis via atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
Determination of the concentration of heavy metals present

Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art instrumentation, including ICP-OES and AAS spectrophotometers, to perform accurate measurements. The results are compared against the specified limits set out in EN 71-3 for each type of metal being tested.

Acceptance Criteria According to EN 71-3
Heavy Metal	Solvent Used (mg/L)	Maximum Allowable Concentration in mg/kg of the product
Cadmium (Cd)	Ethanol 96%, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether	10 mg/kg
Lead (Pb)	Ethanol 96%, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether	90 mg/kg
Cobalt (Co)	Ethanol 96%	150 mg/kg
Manganese (Mn)	Ethanol 96%, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether	450 mg/kg

The testing process is rigorous and requires meticulous attention to detail. It begins with the careful selection of appropriate solvents based on the type of plastic being tested, followed by thorough sample preparation. After extraction, the solutions are analyzed using precise instrumentation. Our laboratory personnel are trained experts who ensure that every step adheres strictly to EN 71-3 guidelines.

The importance of this testing cannot be overstated. Non-compliance with these standards can lead to serious health risks for children and could result in product recalls, legal issues, and significant reputational damage. By partnering with us, you ensure that your products meet the highest safety standards set by international regulations.

Eurolab Advantages

State-of-the-art analytical equipment for accurate and reliable results
Experienced and certified laboratory personnel
Comprehensive quality control measures to ensure accuracy and consistency
Quick turnaround times without compromising on the quality of testing
Dedicated customer support team available 24/7 for any queries or concerns

We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, ensuring that our clients receive high-quality results delivered promptly. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as one of the leading laboratories in Europe.

Why Choose This Test

To comply with EN 71-3 regulations for packaging plastics used in contact with food or other consumer goods intended for children
To protect the health and safety of children by ensuring that no harmful heavy metals migrate into the contents they contain
To avoid potential legal issues, product recalls, and reputational damage associated with non-compliance
For peace of mind knowing that your products meet the highest international standards

Frequently Asked Questions

Use Cases and Application Examples

This testing service is particularly important for companies involved in the production of food packaging, toys with components made from plastics, or any other consumer goods that come into direct contact with children. Here are some examples:

Packaging for baby formula and other infant foods
Plastic toys designed to be chewed on by infants
Bottles, cups, and containers used in nurseries or kindergartens
Any plastic component that could potentially come into contact with a child’s mouth or skin

What specific heavy metals are tested under EN 71-3?

The test covers cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg). Each metal has different solvents used for extraction and specified maximum allowable concentrations.

How long does the testing process typically take?

The overall process usually takes around 7-10 working days, including sample preparation, analysis, and report generation. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the samples.

What kind of packaging materials are commonly tested?

Commonly tested materials include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and other types of plastics that come into direct contact with food or other consumer goods.

Are there any additional costs involved?

There are no hidden costs. We provide a comprehensive quote upfront, including all testing and analysis fees.

Can you test samples not covered by EN 71-3?

Yes, we can also perform custom tests for other standards or according to client specifications. Please contact us if you have specific requirements.

What kind of reports do you provide after testing?

We provide detailed reports that include all test results, comparisons against the acceptance criteria specified in EN 71-3, and recommendations for any necessary corrective actions.

Do you offer training on how to prepare samples?

Yes, we offer sample preparation training sessions tailored to your specific needs. These can be conducted either at our facility or yours.

What is the difference between this test and others for heavy metal testing?

This test specifically targets packaging materials used in contact with food or other consumer goods intended for children. The focus is on ensuring that no harmful heavy metals migrate into these products, making it uniquely suited to meet the stringent requirements of EN 71-3.