At The Craft Collective, we believe creativity and safety should always go hand-in-hand—especially when it comes to products with toy value. Whether it's a soft crocheted bunny or a brightly coloured 3D printed dinosaur, if a child might play with it, then it needs to meet safety standards. This is where CE marking and proper product testing come in.
What Is CE Marking and Why Is It Important?
CE marking is not just a label—it’s a legal declaration that a product meets all EU (and now UKCA in the UK) safety requirements. For items with toy value, this means the maker has ensured their creations are physically safe, non-toxic, and age-appropriate.
This process involves:
- Rigorous testing
- Clear labelling
- Technical documentation
- Ongoing compliance
It’s a lot more than just adding a tag—it’s a commitment to responsibility and consumer safety.
The Rise of Untested 3D Printed Toys
We’ve noticed a concerning trend: more 3D printed items are being sold at markets and online without proper CE/UKCA testing. The rapid rise of 3D printing has outpaced awareness of toy safety laws.
Because these pieces are often bright, playful, and interactive, they can easily appeal to children—even if that wasn’t the artist’s intention. If it looks like a toy, feels like a toy, and a child could play with it, it is legally considered a toy and must be tested as such.
The risks of untested items include:
- Choking hazards from small parts
- Sharp edges or breakable components
- Unregulated or unsafe materials
This is why CE testing is so vital—it protects the end user and supports makers in doing things the right way.
Celebrating Our Safety-Conscious Makers
We’re proud to work with artists who take toy safety seriously.
Debbie from Isle Crochet crafts beautiful, fully tested crochet toys and accessories. She uses certified patterns and materials, making sure her products meet all CE/UKCA requirements. Her attention to detail and dedication is a shining example.
Alex from Sheppey 3D designs and prints creative 3D items—many of which appeal to children. Alex uses child-safe materials and ensures each piece undergoes proper testing. It’s refreshing and rare to find a 3D maker who takes this level of care, and we’re honoured to support his work.
Crafting With Care, Always
CE marking isn’t red tape—it’s a mark of care, craftsmanship, and responsibility. It shows that a maker has taken every possible step to protect their customers, especially children.
At The Craft Collective, we’re proud to say that safety comes as standard.
So next time you’re shopping handmade:
- Ask about CE or UKCA if buying for a child
- Choose makers who test and label their work
- Support those who put care and compliance at the heart of what they do
Stay Creative, Stay Safe
Whether it’s crochet, resin, 3D printing, or something in between—we’re proud of the incredible work our artists do inside and outside of The Crafty Collective, and the responsibility they show. If you're a maker yourself, we encourage you to learn about testing, seek advice, and know that safe crafting is smart crafting.
Want to know more about CE/UKCA testing? Pop by our next event or reach out—we’re always happy to help others do things the right way.
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