INMETRO Certification for Toys in Brazil: Requirements and Process

INMETRO certification for toys is a mandatory conformity assessment requirement for toys placed on the Brazilian market. Toys covered by Brazil’s toy regulation must comply with the applicable technical requirements, complete the required certification process, and be registered with INMETRO before they are commercially supplied in Brazil.

The principal regulation is Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021, which establishes the Technical Quality Regulation (RTQ), Conformity Assessment Requirements (RAC), and specifications for the Conformity Identification Seal for toys.

For manufacturers and importers preparing toys for Brazil, compliance requires more than laboratory testing. Product classification, certification, applicable safety tests, registration, labeling, warnings, and the INMETRO conformity seal all need to be addressed before the product enters the market.

What Is INMETRO?

INMETRO, the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology, is Brazil’s federal authority responsible for activities including metrology, conformity assessment, accreditation, and regulated product requirements.

For toys, INMETRO establishes the applicable technical and conformity assessment requirements.

Certification activities are carried out through an OCP (Organismo de Certificação de Produto), or Product Certification Body, operating within the Brazilian conformity assessment system.

The certification body evaluates the product according to the applicable certification requirements and determines whether the requirements for certification have been fulfilled.

Certification is then used as the basis for the required INMETRO product registration.

Is INMETRO Certification Mandatory for Toys?

Yes. Toys covered by Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 are subject to compulsory certification.

The regulation establishes technical requirements for toys and requires certification to demonstrate conformity with those requirements.

Certification is also connected to the INMETRO registration process. A valid Certificate of Conformity is required for obtaining the applicable product registration.

Since 1 July 2025, toys covered by the regulation may only be offered in Brazilian retail commerce under the current system when they are certified and registered with INMETRO.

This makes certification and registration important considerations before manufacturing toys for the Brazilian market or arranging commercial shipments.

Which Products Are Considered Toys in Brazil?

Product classification should be confirmed before beginning the certification process.

Brazilian toy requirements apply to products that fall within the regulatory definition and scope of toys. Depending on their intended use and characteristics, covered products can include categories such as:

• Dolls
• Action figures
• Plush toys
• Toy vehicles
• Construction toys
• Activity toys
• Creative activity toys
• Games
• Ride-on toys
• Children’s scooters and similar recreational products when classified as toys
• Electrical toys
• Toys containing magnets
• Toys intended for children under three years of age

Product appearance alone is insufficient for determining regulatory classification.

Intended use, age grading, product characteristics, voltage, design, marketing, and other factors can affect whether a product falls within the toy regulation.

Certain products that appear similar to toys may also fall outside the certification scope or be subject to different requirements. Classification should therefore be confirmed for products where the regulatory status is uncertain.

What Regulation Applies to Toys in Brazil?

The main current INMETRO regulation is:

Portaria Inmetro No. 302, dated 12 July 2021

The regulation consolidates three main areas for toys:

1. Technical Quality Regulation
2. Conformity Assessment Requirements
3. Specifications for the Conformity Identification Seal

These provisions establish the technical safety requirements and the framework used for certification, registration, marking, and market surveillance.

Manufacturers and importers should use the requirements referenced by the regulation when preparing the product compliance program.

Which Standards Apply to INMETRO Toy Certification?

Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 references specific technical standards for evaluating toys.

Important standards include:

ABNT NBR NM 300-1:2004

Safety of toys: general, mechanical and physical properties

This standard addresses mechanical and physical hazards associated with toys.

Depending on the product, evaluation can include characteristics related to:

• Small parts
• Sharp points
• Sharp edges
• Product construction
• Mechanical strength
• Components
• Moving parts
• Accessible parts
• Product-specific mechanical hazards

The applicable tests depend on the toy’s construction, intended use, and age classification.

ABNT NBR NM 300-2:2004

Safety of toys: flammability

This standard establishes flammability requirements for applicable toy materials and product categories.

It is particularly relevant to toys containing materials or constructions that fall within the standard’s flammability provisions.

ABNT NBR NM 300-3:2011

Safety of toys: migration of certain elements

This standard addresses migration of specified elements from accessible toy materials.

The applicable materials and test scope depend on the toy’s composition and accessible components.

ABNT NBR NM 300-4:2004

This standard addresses experimental sets for chemistry and related activities.

It applies where the toy falls within the relevant experimental-set category.

ABNT NBR NM 300-5:2004

This standard covers chemical toys other than experimental sets.

The applicable requirements depend on the type and intended activity of the product.

ABNT NBR NM 300-6:2004

This standard addresses electrical toys.

Electrical toys may require additional evaluation according to their electrical components, power source, construction, and intended use.

Additional Referenced Standards

Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 also references other standards for specific requirements, including:

• ABNT NBR 16040:2012 for determination of phthalic plasticizers
• ABNT ISO/TR 8124-8:2015 for age determination guidance
• ASTM F963-11 for applicable toy safety requirements referenced by the Brazilian framework

The applicable standards and tests should be determined according to the particular toy.

Which Version of a Toy Standard Should Be Used?

The version referenced by the INMETRO regulation is important.

Where Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 specifies a particular edition of a standard, the referenced edition should be used for implementation of the regulation.

A newer edition published by the standards organization does not automatically replace the edition identified by the regulation.

Where the regulation references a standard without specifying an edition year, the current applicable version should be confirmed.

This is particularly important when arranging testing because laboratories and certification bodies need to evaluate the product against the versions recognized under the Brazilian regulatory framework.

What Safety Requirements Are Evaluated?

The required evaluation depends on the toy.

Mechanical and Physical Safety

Mechanical and physical evaluation can address hazards associated with the construction and foreseeable use of the toy.

Depending on the product, requirements may involve:

• Small components
• Accessible edges and points
• Mechanical strength
• Product integrity
• Moving components
• Folding or closing mechanisms
• Cords or similar components
• Projectiles
• Wheels and axles
• Magnets
• Other product-specific mechanical characteristics

Age grading is important because requirements can differ according to the intended age group.

Toys intended for young children require particular attention to components that could become accessible during use or after applicable mechanical testing.

Flammability

Applicable toys and materials may need to satisfy the flammability requirements referenced by the Brazilian regulation.

The exact test scope depends on the toy category, construction, and materials.

Migration of Certain Elements

Applicable accessible materials can require testing for migration of regulated elements.

Material composition and accessibility should be reviewed when establishing the testing plan.

Phthalates

Certain toy materials may also require evaluation for regulated phthalates.

Flexible plastics and other plasticized materials are common examples of materials that may require consideration when defining the chemical testing scope.

The test plan should be based on the materials present in the product and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Electrical Toy Requirements

Electrical toys may require evaluation of characteristics associated with their electrical construction.

The applicable scope depends on factors such as the power source, components, voltage, and product design.

Age Grading and INMETRO Toy Certification

Age grading is an important part of toy compliance in Brazil.

The indicated age range influences the safety requirements applied to the product and should correspond to the toy’s intended use, functions, dimensions, characteristics, and foreseeable user group.

Age classification can affect areas such as:

• Small parts requirements
• Warnings
• Mechanical tests
• Product instructions
• Packaging information
• Safety evaluation

Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 references ABNT ISO/TR 8124-8:2015 for guidance relating to the determination of the starting age range.

Age grading should therefore be established as part of product compliance planning rather than added only when packaging artwork is prepared.

INMETRO Toy Certification Process

The exact certification procedure depends on the certification route and product involved. A typical project includes several key activities.

1. Product Classification

The product should first be evaluated to determine whether it falls within the scope of the Brazilian toy regulation.

Information required for classification can include:

• Product description
• Intended use
• Intended age group
• Product photographs
• Materials
• Components
• Functions
• Power source where applicable
• Packaging and marketing information

Correct classification provides the basis for determining the applicable certification requirements.

2. Certification Application

The supplier works with an appropriate OCP for the certification process.

The certification body reviews the product information and determines the applicable certification requirements.

Products may also need to be grouped into the appropriate certification family according to the criteria established by the conformity assessment requirements.

3. Technical Documentation Review

Relevant product documentation is submitted for evaluation.

Depending on the product and certification scope, documentation may include:

• Product description
• Models
• Photographs
• Technical specifications
• Materials
• Components
• Age grading
• Labels
• Warnings
• Instructions
• Packaging information
• Manufacturing information

Complete and consistent documentation helps establish the correct certification and testing scope.

4. Product Sampling and Testing

Representative samples are selected and submitted for the applicable tests.

Testing requirements are determined according to factors including:

• Toy category
• Materials
• Construction
• Intended age
• Mechanical characteristics
• Electrical features
• Chemical characteristics
• Applicable standards

Testing should follow the requirements recognized by the INMETRO certification framework.

5. Factory Evaluation Where Applicable

The applicable certification model may include assessment of manufacturing and quality controls.

Where required, the certification body evaluates relevant production controls according to the certification requirements.

The scope is determined by the applicable conformity assessment model rather than applying an identical factory audit to every certification situation.

6. Certification Decision

The OCP reviews the required conformity assessment evidence.

When the applicable certification requirements have been fulfilled, the certification body can issue the relevant Certificate of Conformity.

7. INMETRO Registration

Certification alone does not complete the market authorization process for toys subject to registration.

The product must also obtain the required INMETRO registration.

The registration process uses valid conformity evidence from the certification process. Registration authorizes the applicable use of the Conformity Identification Seal and commercialization under the Brazilian system.

8. Conformity Identification Seal

Certified and registered toys must display the applicable INMETRO Conformity Identification Seal according to the marking requirements established by Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021.

The seal must follow the required format and placement rules.

INMETRO Registration for Toys

INMETRO product registration is an important part of Brazil’s toy conformity assessment system.

Registration is the administrative act through which INMETRO authorizes commercialization of the regulated product and use of the applicable Conformity Identification Seal.

For toys certified under Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021, certification provides the conformity evidence required for registration.

Current INMETRO records identify toys as products subject to certification and registration by family.

Manufacturers and importers preparing products for Brazil should therefore account for both stages when planning market access.

INMETRO Seal Requirements for Toys

The Selo de Identificação da Conformidade, or Conformity Identification Seal, provides visible evidence that the toy is within the INMETRO conformity assessment system.

Under the current requirements, the seal is generally applied to the product label or packaging in a manner that is visible, clear, indelible, and tamper-resistant.

Specific provisions apply to products such as:

• Toys sold without individual packaging
• Toys sold in bulk
• Small toys where space is insufficient for the standard seal
• Products containing detachable toys without separate packaging

The applicable seal must include the required registration information.

The final artwork and placement should be checked against the requirements of Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 before mass printing or packaging production.

Labeling Requirements for Toys in Brazil

Toy labeling should be prepared according to the applicable Brazilian requirements before production packaging is finalized.

Required information can include:

• Age indication
• Safety warnings
• Commercial product information
• Instructions for use
• Adult supervision information where required
• Product-specific warnings
• Required traceability or identification information

Mandatory warnings and instructions intended for the Brazilian market must be provided in Portuguese where required.

The exact labeling requirements depend on the toy category and identified hazards.

Packaging artwork should therefore be reviewed together with the applicable regulatory requirements before mass production.

Documents Commonly Needed for INMETRO Toy Certification

The documentation required depends on the product and certification scope, but manufacturers and importers should be prepared to provide information such as:

• Product description
• Model list
• Product photographs
• Technical specifications
• Material information
• Component information
• Intended age range
• Product labels
• Packaging artwork
• Safety warnings
• User instructions
• Manufacturing information
• Relevant test documentation

The OCP may request additional information according to the product and certification model.

Consistency across the product, test samples, technical documentation, labels, and certification application is important throughout the process.

Common Issues During INMETRO Toy Certification

Certification problems frequently originate from differences between the product, documentation, test samples, and labeling.

Incorrect Product Classification

A product may have characteristics that affect whether it is regulated as a toy or how it should be categorized.

Classification should be resolved before the testing program is finalized.

Incorrect Age Grading

Age grading affects the applicable safety requirements.

An age classification that does not correspond to the product’s characteristics or intended use can affect testing, warnings, and certification.

Mechanical Test Failures

Toy construction can create problems involving:

• Small components
• Sharp points
• Sharp edges
• Structural integrity
• Moving components
• Accessible hazards after testing

Product design and construction should be reviewed before certification samples are submitted.

Chemical Test Failures

Materials, coatings, inks, plastics, and other components may contain substances that do not satisfy applicable requirements.

Material control and supplier documentation can help establish an appropriate chemical testing plan.

Labeling Problems

Common labeling issues can involve:

• Incorrect age information
• Missing warnings
• Incomplete Portuguese information
• Incorrect seal artwork
• Missing required identification
• Differences between certification information and production packaging

Packaging artwork should be finalized only after the applicable requirements have been confirmed.

Differences Between Certified and Production Products

Changes to materials, components, suppliers, construction, models, or other certified characteristics can affect the certification status.

Product changes should therefore be reviewed for their impact on existing certification before they are introduced into production.

INMETRO Certification for Imported Toys

Imported toys are subject to the applicable Brazilian conformity assessment requirements before they are commercially supplied in Brazil.

For overseas manufacturers, the Brazilian market process generally requires coordination among the manufacturer, Brazilian supplier or importer, OCP, and applicable testing resources.

Before production for Brazil begins, the parties should confirm:

• Product classification
• Certification family
• Applicable test standards
• Required samples
• Technical documentation
• Age grading
• Portuguese warnings and instructions
• Packaging requirements
• INMETRO seal requirements
• Registration requirements

Completing these checks before mass production can reduce the risk of packaging changes, additional sample submissions, or certification delays later in the project.

Does an Existing EN 71 or ASTM F963 Report Replace INMETRO Certification?

An existing EN 71 or ASTM F963 report can provide useful technical information about a toy, but Brazilian market access should be evaluated against the requirements established under the INMETRO toy conformity assessment system.

Portaria Inmetro No. 302/2021 identifies the standards and conformity assessment requirements applicable to certification.

The OCP determines the evidence required for the Brazilian certification process according to the product and applicable rules.

Manufacturers already selling the same toy in the EU or United States should therefore provide their existing test documentation for review while confirming which Brazilian tests and certification steps remain applicable.

How Long Does INMETRO Toy Certification Take?

The certification timeline depends on the product and project.

Factors that can influence the schedule include:

• Product complexity
• Number of models
• Certification family
• Required testing
• Sample availability
• Laboratory capacity
• Documentation completeness
• Certification model
• Factory evaluation where applicable
• Test failures or corrective actions
• Label and packaging revisions
• Registration processing

A fixed certification period cannot be applied to every toy.

The certification plan should be established before the intended shipment or market launch date so that sufficient time is available for testing, document review, certification, registration, and any necessary corrective work.

How to Prepare Toys for the Brazilian Market

Preparation should begin with a clear product definition and intended age range.

Manufacturers and importers should establish the applicable Brazilian requirements, identify the certification scope, prepare technical documentation, confirm materials and components, and review labels and packaging before submitting certification samples.

Production samples should be representative of the products that will ultimately be manufactured and sold.

Particular attention should be given to changes made after testing. Material substitutions, component changes, construction modifications, or changes to certified models should be reviewed before implementation because they may affect the certification.

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Toy suppliers entering the Brazilian market should confirm product classification, applicable standards, certification scope, registration, and labeling requirements before finalizing production. Testing samples, technical documentation, product construction, age grading, and packaging should remain consistent throughout the INMETRO certification process.