M/464 - Safety of child-care articles
Standardisation Mandate to CEN on the safety of child-care articles: Cluster 1 (drowing risks), bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs and stands.
Mandate M/464 addresses the standardisation of safety requirements for child-care articles, specifically focusing on preventing drowning risks. It covers products such as bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs, and stands. The mandate was issued to CEN to develop and harmonise safety standards in this cluster. It aims to enhance consumer protection by mitigating hazards associated with these child-care articles. The decision regarding the approval or disapproval of this mandate was documented under resolution CEN/BT 20/2010.
Purpose
The purpose of Mandate M/464 is to establish a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) concerning the safety of child-care articles. This mandate focuses specifically on a cluster of products that present potential drowning risks, including bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs, and bath tub stands. The objective is to enhance consumer safety by ensuring harmonised safety standards across the European Union for these types of child-care articles.
Standardisation request
CEN is requested to develop voluntary European standards that address the safety aspects related to drowning hazards posed by the specified child-care articles. The mandate covers a cluster of products used during bathing and child-care, requiring standard development or revision to mitigate risks associated with their use. The standards should aim to provide clear safety requirements, test methods, and marking guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure consumer protection.
Expected deliverables
- Drafting and publication of European Standards applicable to bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs, and bath tub stands.
- Clear safety requirements targeting drowning risks in these child-care products.
- Testing methodologies to verify compliance with safety requirements.
- Recommendations for marking and user information to enhance safe usage.
- Coordination and clustering of related standards to provide an integrated approach to safety within the targeted product group.
Context
Mandate M/464 was resolved under the reference CEN/BT 20/2010 and is part of the European Union’s broader effort to improve the safety of products intended for children. Child-care articles, especially bathing-related items, have historically posed safety concerns due to drowning incidents. By commissioning CEN to develop harmonised standards, the EU aims to support market harmonisation, enhance consumer confidence, and reduce risks associated with child-care products. This mandate aligns with EU policies prioritising child safety and responsible product standardisation.
This mandate covers the standardisation of safety requirements for child-care articles specifically related to Cluster 1 items, which include drowning risks, bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs, and stands used for child care. The focus is on ensuring the safety of these products to prevent accidents and hazards for children during their use.
General Information
This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for children’s bath tubs and stands and for non-standalone bathing aids that are designed and intended to be used only in conjunction with a children’s bath tub.
This document does not cover children’s bath tubs and stands and non-standalone bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
NOTE 1 Standalone bathing aids are covered in EN 17022.
NOTE 2 Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).
- Standard46 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for standalone bathing aids intended to be used in a bath tub.
This European Standard does not cover bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
Bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are not covered by this standard.
NOTE 1 Non-standalone bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are covered in FprEN 17072:2018, Child care articles - Bath tubs, stands and non-standalone bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods.
NOTE 2 Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).
- Standard47 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for children’s bath tubs and stands and for non-standalone bathing aids that are designed and intended to be used only in conjunction with a children’s bath tub.
This document does not cover children’s bath tubs and stands and non-standalone bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
NOTE 1 Standalone bathing aids are covered in EN 17022.
NOTE 2 Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).
- Standard46 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements and test methods for standalone bathing aids intended to be used in a bath tub.
This European Standard does not cover bathing aids designed for children with special needs.
Bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are not covered by this standard.
NOTE 1 Non-standalone bathing aids that are intended to be used only in conjunction with a child’s bath tub are covered in FprEN 17072:2018, Child care articles - Bath tubs, stands and non-standalone bathing aids - Safety requirements and test methods.
NOTE 2 Where the product has several functions or can be converted into another function it is due to comply with relevant standard(s).
- Standard47 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/464 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Standardisation Mandate to CEN on the safety of child-care articles: Cluster 1 (drowing risks), bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs and stands.". Standardisation Mandate to CEN on the safety of child-care articles: Cluster 1 (drowing risks), bath rings, bathing aids, bath tubs and stands. There are 4 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.