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Plush Toys Inspection Checklist and Template

Plush toys are beloved by children and adults alike, making them a popular product category. From cuddly teddy bears to adorable animal characters, these toys bring joy and comfort to their owners. Quality and user experience are crucial when it comes to plush toys, as they need to be soft, durable, and safe for play. Many plush toys are manufactured in Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand. While these countries offer competitive pricing, there can be potential quality risks. Therefore, thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are essential to ensure that the plush toys meet safety standards and customer expectations. By prioritizing quality and user experience, buyers can source plush toys from Asia with confidence.

What to look for when inspecting Plush Toys?

Fabric quality check
Stitching quality check
Stuffing quality check
Colorfastness check
Size and shape check
Embroidery/printed design check
Seam strength check
Stuffing distribution check
Stuffing density check
Stuffing odor check
Labeling accuracy check
Safety eyes/nose attachment check
Small parts attachment check
Stuffing leakage check
Packaging integrity check
Function check (if applicable)

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

Aman Momin

QC Expert based in Maharashtra, India, Aman has deep expertise in hardware and travel-backpack categories, gained through experience at renowned companies like UL. His detailed, updated standards ensure precise inspections tailored specifically to the unique challenges of these product groups.

General Inspection Process

Check for any visible tears or rips in the fabric of the plush toy.
Inspect the stitching to ensure it is secure and there are no loose threads.
Look for any small parts or accessories that may pose a choking hazard, such as buttons or beads.
Check the eyes and nose of the plush toy to ensure they are securely attached and not loose.
Examine the overall shape and structure of the toy to ensure it is not misshapen or lopsided.
Inspect the stuffing to ensure it is evenly distributed and there are no lumps or clumps.
Check for any stains or discoloration on the fabric of the plush toy.
Look for any strong odors that may indicate the presence of chemicals or other harmful substances.
Test any interactive features, such as sound or motion, to ensure they are functioning properly.
Check the size and dimensions of the plush toy to ensure it matches the advertised specifications.
Inspect any attached tags or labels to ensure they provide accurate information about the toy.
Look for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed edges or faded colors.
Test any zippers or fasteners to ensure they are working smoothly and securely.
Check for any sharp edges or protruding parts that may pose a safety risk.
Examine the overall cleanliness of the plush toy to ensure it is free from dirt or debris.
Test any adjustable features, such as arms or legs, to ensure they move easily and stay in place.
Check for any potential allergens, such as feathers or fur, that may cause an allergic reaction.
Inspect any packaging or tags for signs of tampering or damage.
Look for any manufacturing defects, such as uneven coloring or misaligned features.
Test the durability of the plush toy by gently tugging on different parts to ensure they are securely attached.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Plush Toys

When importing Plush Toys from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.

Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.

United States

Mandatory

ASTM F963: Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.
CPSIA: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requirements for lead and phthalates.
FHSA: Federal Hazardous Substances Act regulations for hazardous substances.

Recommended

UL 172: Safety standards for toy electric cords and plugs.
ISO 8124: International safety standards for toys, recommended for quality assurance.

European Union

Mandatory

EN 71: European Toy Safety Directive covering mechanical, chemical, and electrical hazards.
REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals regulation.
CE Marking: Certification indicating compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.

Recommended

ISO 8124: Provides additional assurance of toy safety standards.
EN 62115: Safety of electric toys, recommended for electronic components.

United Kingdom

Mandatory

UKCA Mark: UK Conformity Assessed marking for goods placed on the market in Great Britain.
EN 71: European Toy Safety Directive applied through UK regulations.
REACH (UK): UK’s equivalent REACH regulations for chemical safety.

Recommended

PAS 7050: Code of practice for avoiding hazards in toys.
ISO 8124: Provides additional assurance of toy safety standards.

Canada

Mandatory

CCPSA: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act ensuring product safety.
Hazardous Products Act: Regulations for chemical and physical toy safety.

Recommended

ISO 8124: Internationally recognized safety standards for toys.
ASTM F963: Although primarily a US standard, it is recommended for additional assurance.

Australia

Mandatory

AS/NZS ISO 8124: Australian/New Zealand standard for toy safety.
Consumer Goods (Toys containing magnets) Safety Standard: Specific requirements for magnetic components.

Recommended

ASTM F963: Recommended for importers targeting multiple international markets.
EN 71: European standards can provide additional safety assurances.

Gulf Countries

Mandatory

GSO EN 71: Gulf Standards Organization regulations for toy safety.
GCC Technical Regulation for Children Toys: Compliance for market access in GCC countries.

Recommended

ISO 8124: Recommended for additional assurance of international safety standards.
ASTM F963: Ensures compatibility with broader international safety practices.

Singapore

Mandatory

Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations: Safety standards for toys.
SS 474: Singapore Standard for safety requirements for toys.

Recommended

ISO 8124: Recommended for comprehensive safety assurance.
EN 71: European standards can enhance safety compliance.

Hong Kong

Mandatory

Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance: Local regulation for toy safety.
EN 71: Adopted European standards for toy safety requirements.

Recommended

ISO 8124: Provides additional assurance of compliance with international safety norms.
ASTM F963: Recommended for alignment with US and broader international practices.

Need more details on Plush Toys Checklist?

What is inside this checklist

Physical inspection
Stitching strength test
Seam strength test
Flammability test
Colorfastness test
Stuffing inspection
Labeling verification
Size and dimension check
Durability test
Packaging inspection

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