Softline Certifications

EQS offers integrated consultancy, testing, and certification services for softline products. From toy safety regulations to personal protective equipment, and from REACH chemical compliance to household appliance safety: we are the technical partner of choice for ensuring your products comply with European and international markets.

Certification of Toys and Childcare Products

EQS is a founding member of Federgiocattoli and boasts extensive experience in the toy certification sector. Our laboratories offer a comprehensive service that supports manufacturers from the design phase through to product launch, ensuring full compliance with Directive 2009/48/EC and the relevant EN 71 technical standards.

Certified products

We provide consultancy, testing, and certification services for:

  • Toys and games: action figures, toy weapons, dolls and accessories, billiards, construction sets, board games and puzzles, musical toys, plush toys, sports toys, toy trains, and children’s vehicles
  • Model making and hobbies
  • Heavy and light childcare articles: strollers, prams, cribs, high chairs, car seats, pacifiers, and baby bottles
  • Christmas and holiday decorations: ornaments, Christmas trees, nativity scene items, carnival items
  • Educational items, clothing, and furniture dedicated to childhood

Our tests cover mechanical and physical safety, chemistry, flammability, and electricity, with the issuance of internationally recognized test reports.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Our laboratories analyze and certify a wide range of Personal Protective Equipment in compliance with EU Regulation 2016/425. We offer comprehensive chemical and mechanical testing to ensure product compliance with current legislation and the usability standards required by the European market.

Product categories

  • Occupational and protective footwear
  • Protective gloves (mechanical, chemical, thermal)
  • High-visibility warning clothing (EN ISO 20471)
  • Impact protection for motorcycling and sports activities
  • Firefighting equipment
  • Mountain and outdoor clothing and equipment
  • Leather goods and technical textiles

Leading brands in the sector entrust us daily with the certification of their products and turn to us for research into new materials and technological solutions.

General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

The EU Regulation 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR), in force since December 13, 2024, has introduced stricter requirements for all consumer products placed on the European market. EQS supports companies in adapting to this new regulatory framework.

Services offered

  • Gap analysis regarding GPSR requirements and product conformity assessment
  • Analysis and assessment of product-specific risks
  • Support in preparing mandatory technical documentation
  • Verification of consumer information obligations and labeling
  • Consultancy on the obligations of economic operators (manufacturers, importers, distributors)
  • Support in managing compliance notifications and product recalls

EQS is the ideal partner for this type of activity because it can provide consultancy during product design—an activity that is prohibited by law for Notified Bodies.

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REACH — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals

The REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 governs the production and use of chemical substances within the European Union, with the aim of protecting human health and the environment. EQS supports companies in verifying the chemical compliance of their softline products.

Analysis and compliance services

  • Chemical screening and identification of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern)
  • Testing for verification of limits on restricted substances (Annex XVII)
  • Analysis for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium VI, mercury, nickel)
  • Testing for phthalates, aromatic amines, azo dyes, and other prohibited substances
  • Compliance verification for items intended for children and products in contact with the skin
  • Documentary support for communication throughout the supply chain

Our laboratories perform certified chemical analyses on fabrics, accessories, plastic, and metal components, ensuring full traceability of results.

Household Appliances

EQS offers certification services for small and large household appliances, verifying compliance with the main applicable European directives and regulations. Our laboratories have the necessary expertise and equipment to perform comprehensive electrical and functional safety tests.

Reference regulations

  • Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU — electrical safety
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU
  • Ecodesign Regulation and energy efficiency requirements
  • EN 60335 standard for the safety of household appliances

Tested products

  • Small kitchen appliances (mixers, blenders, toasters, irons)
  • Personal care appliances (hairdryers, epilators, electric shavers)
  • Heating and air conditioning appliances
  • Household appliances with smart and connected functions (IoT)

EQS prepares the Technical File required for CE marking and provides full support in drafting the Declaration of Conformity.

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RoHS — Restriction of Hazardous Substances

The RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (updated by Directive 2015/863/EU — RoHS 3) restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). EQS supports manufacturers in verifying the RoHS compliance of their products and components.

Controlled substances

Our laboratories perform tests to verify the limits imposed on the following substances:

  • Lead (Pb) — limit 0.1%
  • Mercury (Hg) — limit 0.1%
  • Cadmium (Cd) — limit 0.01%
  • Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) — limit 0.1%
  • Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) — limit 0.1%
  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) — limit 0.1%
  • Phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) — limit 0.1% each

Services offered

  • Rapid screening XRF analysis on materials and components
  • Confirmatory chemical tests using ICP-OES and GC-MS methods
  • Verification of technical documentation and supplier declarations
  • Support in preparing the RoHS technical file
  • Consultancy for supply chain management from a RoHS perspective

Why choose EQS

EQS – European Quality Standard is an inspection and certification body with decades of experience in supporting companies operating in European and international markets. Our ability to integrate technical consultancy, laboratory testing, and certification into a single process represents a concrete competitive advantage for our clients.

Contact us for a personalized consultation regarding your certification needs.