1. How to Evaluate Baby ToysExport agentThe reliability of service providers?

When selecting a proxy service provider, it is essential to focus on three key dimensions:

• Qualification certification system
  • Check whether holding AEO certification from customs.
  • Confirm possession of hazardous materials transportation qualification (for electric toys).
  • Verify the operational experience of the International Trade Single Window.
• Experience in industry
  • Require the provision of export cases of similar products in the past three years.
  • Confirm familiarity with the latest updates on toy safety standards in the target market.
  • Understand its response plan for the newly controlled substances under the REACH regulation.
• Risk control ability
  • Inquire about product liability insurance coverage (recommended coverage amount ≥ USD 5 million).
  • Confirm the response time for handling customs clearance exceptions (ideally within 2 hours).
  • Understand the statistics of abnormal customs clearance data in the destination country (the average customs clearance delay rate in the EU in 2025 is 6.8%).

2. What certification requirements should be particularly noted when exporting to the EU market?

In 2025, the European Union updated the implementation rules of the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, with the main changes including:

• Mandatory certification
  • EN71-1/2/3 Physical and Mechanical Properties Testing (including new magnetic component testing requirements)
  • EN71-9 Organic Compound Restrictions (Expansion of Phthalate Types to 12)
  • CE Certification + EC Declaration of Conformity (Digital documents must be submitted simultaneously from 2025 onwards)
• Emerging compliance requirements
  • EPR Extended Producer Responsibility Registration (mandatory in Germany/France)
  • Digital Product Passport DPP (pilot categories in 2025 include electronic toys)
  • Carbon Footprint Label (Recommended to prepare in advance for the Dutch/Nordic market)

III. How to Design a Cost-EffectiveInternational logisticsplan?

It is recommended to adopt a phased logistics strategy:

• Trial order phase
  • Choose the LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping service (cost reduced by 40%).
  • Paired with the China-Europe Railway Express (with a stable transit time of 18-22 days)
• Batch shipment phase
  • Full container load (FCL) shipping + bonded warehouse distribution at destination port
  • Using FCA trade terms to reduce transportation risks
• Emergency replenishment phase
  • Priority is given to IATA-certified charter services for air transport.
  • Utilize the free trade zone transit warehouse to achieve 72-hour rapid replenishment.

IV. What are the new trends in payment methods for international buyers in 2025?

According to the latest ICC Trade Finance Report:

• Changes in the Proportion of Traditional Methods
  • The utilization rate of LC letters of credit has declined to 28% (a 12% decrease compared to 2020).
  • The proportion of DP (Documents against Payment) remains stable at 35%.
• Emerging payment tools
  • Blockchain electronic bill of lading (usage rate increased by 40% year-on-year)
  • Supply chain financing platforms (such as HSBC Serai)
  • Cross-border settlement with digital yuan (Italy added as a pilot country)

V. How to Seize New Opportunities in the International Toy Market by 2025?

It is recommended to focus on three directions:

• Smart toy track
  • Interactive toys compliant with GDPR children's data protection requirements
  • IoT toys certified by ISO/IEC 62443
• Application of Eco-friendly Materials
  • Bio-based plastic products (OK Biodegradable certification required)
  • Dye-free wooden toys (high demand in the Nordic market)
• Aging-friendly innovation
  • Intergenerational interactive toys (compliant with both EN71 and EN12182 standards)
  • Auxiliary rehabilitation training toys (requires CE certification for medical devices)