15/06/2026
’m often asked, why do you have UKCA labels on every toy that Pigletwillie - Maker of Things makes? What does it mean? How long does it take, and why bother?
Well…
#1 - It’s the law. Every toy sold in the UK needs to be safety tested to either UKCA or European CE standards, and then marked with any relevant safety risks and age rating information as appropriate.
#2 - To do this, every toy I make needs to undergo at least 5 rigorous physical tests, including Torque, Tension, Drop, Impact and Compression.
#3 - I then have to prepare a Risk Assessment, Testing Checklist, Safety Requirements Checklist, Technical File and a Declaration of Conformity. All in that’s about 25 pages of legally required technical documentation, and 15-20 photos of the testing process and results to evidence this.
#4 - I have to make all of this available for Trading Standards if asked and keep our records for at least 10 years.
#5 - I have to do this for every toy, in every different filament type/manufacturer I use.
So, for these 3 new toys alone, made in just 2 colours, it has required around 30 tests to be completed, 150 pages of documentation to be prepared, and an investment of around 18-21 hours.
All this on top of the laboratory tests I have had to pay for to make sure the filament we manufacture with is safe, in case it should accidentally be ingested.
So when you see cheap Temu 3D Printed toys or Etsy sellers and market traders that don’t have UKCA tags, please ask yourself, is it worth the risk of buying something for children that has NOT undergone all the necessary safety testing.
I think not, and thats why I will always UKCA test and mark every toy I make. Because I am as serious about safety as I am about the quality of everything I lovingly make for you, right here in the beautiful county of Leicestershire.
If its cheap, its often for the reason that its poor quality and untested.
Thanks for all your support, and I hope to see you at an upcoming event very soon.
Pigletwillie
