Is the Baby Feeding Product EN 14372 Certified?
Is the baby feeding product EN 14372 certified? What the European standard covers, how testing is conducted, which materials pass it, and how buyers verify EN 14372 compliance.
As a purchasing manager in the children's tableware industry, ensuring product safety and compliance is a core responsibility. EN 14372 is a European standard that specifies safety requirements for children's cutlery and feeding utensils, addressing potential hazards such as choking, toxicity and mechanical failure. Understanding this standard is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions and ensuring product safety.
EN 14372 testing evaluates mechanical and chemical properties of children's cutlery and feeding utensils. Mechanical testing covers durability assessments — products are stress-tested to ensure they withstand typical use without breaking or shattering — and sharpness evaluation of edges and points to prevent injury. Chemical testing analyzes components for harmful substances to ensure materials are non-toxic and safe for food contact. Tests are conducted by accredited laboratories following standardized methods.
Materials that can pass EN 14372 are non-toxic, durable and free from harmful substances: silicone (heat-resistant, flexible, BPA-free — used for spoons, bibs and suction bowls), stainless steel (durable, corrosion-resistant, non-reactive — cutlery and compartment plates), polypropylene PP (lightweight, sturdy, BPA-free — plates, cups and bowls) and Tritan (clear, impact-resistant, BPA-free — bottles and sippy cups). Manufacturers must source these materials from reputable suppliers and test them for harmful substances.
Buyers can verify EN 14372 compliance in four steps: request detailed test reports from suppliers demonstrating products tested to the standard, check for recognized certification marks on products or packaging, conduct on-site supplier audits of manufacturing processes and quality control, and engage independent third-party testing services. Following these steps ensures the baby feeding products you procure meet the necessary safety and compliance requirements.
