Baby Box Safety Standards Explained (UK and EU)

When a council commissions a baby box, safety isn't a feature — it's the floor. Here's a plain-English guide to the standards every reputable supplier should evidence on request.

EN71 — toy safety

EN71 is the harmonised European standard for toy safety, retained in UK law post-Brexit. It covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical content and hygiene. Every toy in a baby box should be tested by an independent lab to the relevant parts of EN71. Ask for the test report, not just a certificate.

GPSR — General Product Safety Regulation

GPSR (EU 2023/988) governs non-food consumer products placed on the EU market and shapes UK practice. It requires documented risk assessments, traceability and a designated economic operator inside the EU for products sold there.

REACH — chemical safety

REACH governs the safe use of chemicals in consumer products — particularly relevant for teethers, comforters, fabrics and bath products. Reputable suppliers hold REACH declarations from their manufacturers.

Safe-sleep guidance

Baby box schemes should align contents and booklet messaging with the latest Lullaby Trust safe-sleep guidance — breathable bedding, no loose blankets in the sleep space, a flat firm sleep surface.

Insurance and traceability

Public and product liability insurance, batch traceability for every product, and a clear recall process should all be in place.

What to ask for in your tender

At minimum: EN71 test reports for every toy, GPSR-aligned documentation, REACH declarations, insurance certificates, and a written safe-sleep alignment statement. A supplier who can't produce these quickly probably isn't ready for a council scheme.

To walk through what a fully evidenced safety pack looks like, our our baby box supply for councils is the best starting point.