Oct 13, 2026 - Chemical tests
Microbiological safety of toys: New DIN EN 71-20 for water-containing play materials
Whether slime, finger paints or certain water-containing squishies – toys with accessible aqueous media must meet special requirements for microbiological quality. The new DIN EN 71-20:2026-02 specifies test methods and assessment criteria for this purpose.
Published in February 2026, DIN EN 71-20:2026-02 (based on EN 71-20:2025) describes the requirements for the microbiological testing of toys that contain accessible aqueous media. The aim is to detect possible microbial contamination and minimise health risks to children.
Which toys are affected?
The standard is particularly relevant for manufacturers of toys that contain water-bearing materials with which children can come into contact during play. These include, for example:
Play slime (slime) and water-containing modelling and putty masses
Finger paints and other water-based play materials
Bubble solution
Certain squishies and other toys with accessible water-containing fillings
Whether a product falls under the standard depends on its composition, the accessibility of the aqueous medium and the intended use. Not every water-filled or soft toy is automatically affected.
Which microbiological tests are provided for?
For microbiological testing, DIN EN 71-20 refers to established test methods from cosmetics and pharmaceutical analysis. These include, among others:
- EN ISO 21149: Determination and enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria
- EN ISO 21150: Detection of Escherichia coli
- EN ISO 22717: Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- EN ISO 22718: Detection of Staphylococcus aureus
- EN ISO 18416: Detection of Candida albicans
Furthermore, the standard takes into account testing for gram-negative, bile salt-tolerant bacteria according to methods of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
The requirements for assessing microbiological quality are laid down in Chapter 6 of EN 71-20:2025.
What does the new standard mean for toy manufacturers?
For manufacturers and distributors of water-containing toys, the standard provides an important basis for checking the microbiological quality of their products. In particular, unsuitable manufacturing conditions, raw materials or inadequate preservation can promote the growth of microorganisms in water-containing play materials.
The new EU Toy Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 is set to apply its essential requirements generally from August 2030. Manufacturers should therefore familiarise themselves early with the relevant microbiological requirements and suitable test methods.
BAV Institute – your partner for microbiological testing
The BAV Institute has many years of experience in the microbiological testing of cosmetics and medicines. The test methods used there also form a key basis of the new toy standard.
We will be happy to advise you on suitable microbiological testing for your water-containing toy products.
Contact us – we support you quickly and reliably!
Sources:
- DIN EN 71-20:2026-02 – DIN Media
- Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 – EUR-Lex