What Is This Toy Safety Mark?

Originally written by Sarah Clark, updated by the editorial team on 8th October 2026

K.H asks

I have a friend who is doing an NVQ in childcare - she has a question about a symbol which we can't find on the net - it's a triangle with 2 lines (like a z mark) on the right hand side. Underneath it says BSI safety mark.

Do you know what the symbol means?

Understanding Toy Safety Marks in the UK

Many parents and gift buyers wonder which symbols on toy packaging actually matter. Some marks have legal standing, while others are voluntary quality marks that manufacturers choose to display.

The UKCA Mark

Since leaving the EU, the UK has its own mandatory marking for toys: the UKCA mark. This stands for UK Conformity Assessed. Any toy placed on the market in Great Britain should display this symbol, which shows the product meets the relevant safety requirements. Northern Ireland follows different rules, where products may need the CE mark alongside the UKNI mark.

The UKCA mark must appear alongside the name and address of either the manufacturer or the importer. This information helps Trading Standards officers trace products if problems arise.

It is a misconception that the UKCA mark guarantees comprehensive safety or superior quality. The mark confirms that the manufacturer declares the toy complies with UK regulations. It serves primarily as a tool for enforcement authorities rather than a consumer guarantee.

You may still see the CE mark on some toys. This is the European equivalent and was previously required when the UK was part of the EU. Toys carrying only the CE mark can be sold in Great Britain under transitional arrangements that run until 31 December 2024. For the latest position on product marking requirements, check GOV.UK.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

The Lion Mark

The Lion Mark is a voluntary symbol you might notice on toy packaging. It is awarded by the British Toy and Hobby Association, the trade body representing UK toy manufacturers and retailers.

Companies that display the Lion Mark have agreed to follow a code of practice covering:

Toy safety standards
Ethical and responsible marketing
Clear and honest labelling

Unlike the UKCA mark, the Lion Mark is not a legal requirement. It is a voluntary scheme that members sign up to. Many well known toy brands in the UK carry this symbol as an additional reassurance to buyers.

Implications of Toy Safety Marks for Consumers

When buying toys, looking for the UKCA mark is a sensible starting point. Its presence means the product should meet UK safety regulations. The Lion Mark can offer extra confidence that the company follows industry best practice.

Neither mark is a complete guarantee against all possible risks. Age warnings and safety instructions on packaging remain just as relevant. A toy that is perfectly safe for a seven year old may pose a choking hazard to a toddler.

If you have concerns about a toy's safety or suspect a product does not meet standards, you can report it to your local Trading Standards service. They have the authority to investigate and take action where necessary.

For detailed guidance on toy safety regulations and current marking requirements, visit the Office for Product Safety and Standards section on GOV.UK.

19 questions

Ask Toys Advice a Question

Amy 04/02/2021 at 4:15 pm

Do children's flash cards need to be ce certified?

Nikkinakinokinoo 03/11/2020 at 11:37 am

Hi I've bought a rag doll toy from a seller in China. The doll has labels with the name, address etc of manufacturer & has CE mark as well as lots of code numbers that it says it conforms to. How do I check that this doll is safe to give to my baby granddaughter? There's just something about the doll that is worrying me but I'm not sure what. I'm hoping you can reassure me. Kind regards Nikkinakinokinoo

JB 28/10/2020 at 2:53 pm

Is a child's backpack designed for a 3-6 year old classified as a toy for the purposes of safety regulation in the UK? It seems to me to fall more under a "fashion accesory which are not for use in play" but I seek confirmation or views on this. Many thanks in advance for any help.

lindseylashes 22/10/2020 at 12:36 pm

I'm hoping to make mindful rocks to sell and use as part of my yoga for children's business. What toy certification do I need and do all the products I use to make the rocks also need to be CE tested ie glitter, varnish?

JLB 14/05/2020 at 9:06 pm

Good evening, I am looking at a product concept consisting of learning flash cards for children. Please may I ask whether this would require a CE mark or need testing of any kind before I take it to market? I would really appreciate any guidance. Thank you for your help. Best wishes,

Sara 09/01/2020 at 1:19 pm

Hello I have just imported 1000 soft toys from a factory in China. We have sold these for many years but have always bought from a company in the UK and this time i went direct to the manufacturer. The consignment was stopped at the port of arrival and 1 sample was taken for testing. This failed the safety test - ie not suitable for kids under 36 months. I had been assured by the company in China (who specialise in soft toys) that they met EU standards and did not request a certificate or separate test. I wish to know what my options are. Can i have more tested? Will that help? Do I add a label to toys saying "not for sale for under 36 months" or do i ask for my money back?
thank you for your advice

loulou 05/01/2020 at 9:39 am

Hi, I've written children's books for 2-6 year olds and my latest one is about a dragon sprinking magic dream dust. If I sell or giveaway these with my book do i need labelling. Tiny cork stoppered glass bottle containing coloured sugar, coloured sand or glitter. Approx 4cm x 1.7cm

Tinks 20/11/2019 at 5:10 pm

I want to make children’s fairy wands using wooden dowels and glitter foam fabric, would these need to be CE tested or is it adequate to make sure that the buyer knows they are not suitable for children under 3? Thank you in advance.

Vixpost 17/09/2019 at 1:33 pm

I would like to sell reward charts with stickers, the reward charts would be my design. Other products would be flash cards showing different emotions. Are reward charts toys if so what safety measures would I have to go through.

Star 05/03/2019 at 10:01 pm

Hi

Do laminated children's flashcards need to be CE marked?
Also, would writing accessories such as felt tips pens and silicone handwriting aids to be used with the above need to be CE compliant?

Thanks

Nange 21/01/2019 at 7:30 pm

I am new to all of this,due to redundancy, I intend to turn my hobby into a business. How do I go about getting my toys safety tested? What paperwork do I need to complete?

lesann 29/11/2018 at 4:54 pm

Hi im thinking of making rag dolls to sell how do I get these safety checked

superfitch 18/06/2018 at 12:05 pm

How do you go about getting a CE mark on a bath toy that is made in China and been safety tested in China?

ToysAdvice Editor 17/01/2018 at 2:44 pm

Yes if they are designed as fancy dress/costumes to be used for birthday parties, they will need to comply with the directives. See EN 71-2

EGT 15/01/2018 at 10:30 am

Hi I make Unicorn crown headdresses for children, designed to be used in photo shoots, worn for birthday parties etc? Do these need to be CE tested? Thanks x

Reds 06/04/2017 at 4:37 pm

I want to start making and selling a sit on oak truck aimed at 3 to 8 year old children. What regulations do I need to have to start production?

Reds 06/04/2017 at 4:33 pm

I have designed and made out of oak a sit on truck with a seat opening doors and robust wheels. The toy was intended for my grandson to sit on and ride but the reaction from friends and general public has been they all want one . To date I have hand made 5 and sold them . I want to sell them commercially but what standards do I need to do so ?

GS 18/01/2017 at 6:33 pm

Hi

We sell stunt scooters and skateboards, for ages 7 plus. There is so much confusion on these products in regards to what needs testing and which catagory to go for testing.

Can you help with any advice?

Thanks

Presto 14/07/2016 at 1:20 pm

Hi
What are the regulations concerning draw string PE/ swim bags for Primary school children. Do they need fitting with a quick release breakaway barrel depending on the length of the cord? if so what is the maximum length the cord can be without the requirement to fit a breakaway.
Regards
Shirley

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