Can I request a quote with only one image?

One owned or authorized image can start the discussion, but it is not enough for a final production quote. JWC may still need size, quantity range, material direction, packaging expectation, target market and must-keep detail notes before assumptions can be reviewed.

Do I need technical drawings before contacting JWC?

No. Rough artwork, reference photos and simple notes can start a review if the artwork is buyer-owned or authorized and open questions are clearly marked.

Should I include a target price?

If you have a budget target, share it as context for material, size, packaging and detail choices. Exact pricing remains quotation-specific.

What if I do not know the MOQ?

Share the expected launch quantity or a range. MOQ depends on project details, so the first brief should show the likely quantity context without treating it as a fixed final number.

Should packaging be in the first brief?

Yes, if packaging affects retail display, gifting, sample review or carton planning. If it is undecided, mark it as undecided instead of guessing.

Should I mention the target market?

Yes. Target market helps route packaging, testing, label, importer and retailer questions, but final requirements should be confirmed through the proper project and market sources.

How much does a custom plush sample cost?

Sample development starts from US$100. The final sample fee depends on the design and is confirmed in quotation.

Is the sample fee the same as the bulk unit price?

No. The sample fee supports development work for a physical sample. Bulk unit price is quoted separately after project specifications and quantity are reviewed.

How should sample-fee credit terms be confirmed?

The sample fee can be credited toward a confirmed bulk order after production is confirmed. Confirm the credit condition in the sample quotation before payment.

What should I confirm before paying a sample fee?

Confirm what is included, what is excluded, how sample changes are handled, whether delivery is separate, and what details are still needed before bulk pricing.

Can sample terms ever be adjusted?

Custom sample terms should be confirmed before development starts. The quotation should state the sample scope, fee terms, and any exclusions for your project.

What if my design is still rough?

A rough concept may need sample feasibility discussion before a meaningful quote. Send artwork, target size, intended use, quantity direction, and any material or packaging references you already have.

What is the difference between a first sample and an approval sample?

A first sample is usually the first physical version for review. An approval sample is the version the buyer may approve as a sample reference for the next project discussion, with any open items named clearly.

What does PPS mean in plush sampling?

PPS is often used as shorthand for pre-production sample, but the exact meaning can vary by project or supplier. Buyers should ask what PPS means before approving it.

Is a reference sample a perfect production promise?

No. A reference or golden sample can help compare the agreed sample direction, but it should not be treated as a promise that every later piece will be identical.

Can I approve production from sample photos only?

Photos can help review shape, expression and visible details. Handfeel, scale, stuffing, color and physical construction may still need physical sample review.

How should I give feedback on a revised sample?

Name the sample version, separate must-change items from preferences, group comments by part of the plush and state what is approved versus still open.

Does sample approval close every later decision?

No. Sample approval helps align the sample reference. Commercial, packing, shipment and other project-specific decisions should still be confirmed in the private project discussion.

Is a repeat order always the same as the previous order?

No. A repeat order can use the previous approved sample and order notes as references, but material availability, color, packaging, quantity, timing and buyer requirements may still need review.

What should I send for a repeat custom plush order?

Send the approved sample reference, current artwork files, previous order notes if available, target quantity, packaging version and a clear list of anything that should stay the same or change.

Does an approved sample guarantee future production will be identical?

No. An approved sample is a reference for review. Repeat production still depends on project details, material availability, workmanship control, packing notes and private acceptance criteria.

When does a repeat order become a new version?

A repeat order becomes a revised version when the buyer changes size, color, face expression, fabric, accessories, packaging, target market, quantity split or other project assumptions.

Should I ask for another sample before a repeat order?

It depends on what changed and how much risk the buyer can accept. If key details changed, a revised sample or reference confirmation may be useful before production discussion.

Do I need to decide packaging before asking for a plush quote?

You do not need every detail finalized, but you should say whether you expect basic packing, brand tags or cards, retail presentation, or gift-style presentation. Box, tag, insert, identifier and label questions can change quote scope.

Is a polybag enough for custom plush?

Sometimes. A simple giveaway or fulfillment item may only need basic individual packing, while retail or gift projects often need tags, inserts, boxes, or branded presentation.

Can this page tell me the final label or identifier rules?

No. Final label, identifier, importer, retailer and market-sensitive details depend on the project, channel and current sources. Treat those as RFQ or private review topics.

Does this page set packaging costs?

No. Packaging cost depends on the plush size, quantity, material, artwork, packaging format, proofing needs, and packing plan, so it should be reviewed with the project details.

Is QC the same as toy safety testing?

No. QC checkpoints help review workmanship, measurements, label placement, packing condition, carton state, and photo records. Toy safety testing and market-document questions should be handled separately based on the product, buyer role, target market, materials, and required documents.

Should every plush order use third-party inspection?

Not every project needs the same route. Some buyers use internal review and shipment sample photos. Others need third-party inspection because of retailer, importer, agency, or internal policy requirements. The stage and report format should be agreed privately.

Can I ask for photos before shipment?

Yes. Photos are useful for reviewing visible details such as product appearance, embroidery placement, label position, packing condition, and carton exterior. They support communication, but they should not replace agreed inspection criteria.

When should QC be discussed?

Discuss QC before production or packing expectations are treated as final. It is especially useful after the approved sample is understood and before shipment review criteria are locked.

Can JWC give final freight cost from a plush size?

No. Plush size helps estimate packing direction, but final freight cost depends on carton dimensions, carton quantity, gross weight, shipment mode, route, forwarder quote, shipping term and destination charges.

What is CBM used for?

CBM is a shipment-volume planning input. It helps a buyer or forwarder estimate space, but it does not by itself confirm freight rate, customs duty, VAT or landed cost.

When can carton quantity be estimated?

Carton quantity becomes more reliable after the plush size, stuffing feel, packaging layers, packing method and quantity are clearer.

Is carton planning the same as import cost planning?

No. Carton planning prepares shipment inputs. Import cost planning may also include freight, insurance, duty, VAT, broker charges, local handling and Incoterms responsibility split.

Should I mention Incoterms before shipment planning?

Yes, if shipment responsibility is being discussed. Incoterms help define who handles tasks, costs and risks, but final freight and import charges still need review by the buyer, forwarder, broker or importer.

Import process · Stage 10 Clear customs & comply — see the full step-by-step process →

EU & UK Plush Toy Import Compliance: EN71, CE, UKCA and REACH

Selling custom plush into the EU or UK means meeting toy-safety law there. Here is how the Toy Safety Directive, EN71, CE and UKCA marking, the Declaration of Conformity and REACH fit together for overseas brands and importers.

Compliance, import & target-market questions Guide Last reviewed June 2026

In short

Plush sold as a toy in the EU must meet the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, typically demonstrated against the EN71 standards, carry CE marking, and be covered by an EU Declaration of Conformity with a technical file. A REACH check on restricted substances also applies. For Great Britain, the parallel route uses UKCA marking and the UK Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, though CE marking has continued to be accepted for many products — confirm current UK guidance. The conformity declaration is drawn up by the manufacturer, and an in-market economic operator carries import obligations. JWC can coordinate testing inputs; final scope is confirmed with an accredited lab.

The EU framework

Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC: the core EU law for toys, including plush.
EN71: harmonized standards used to show conformity — EN71-1 (mechanical/physical), EN71-2 (flammability), EN71-3 (migration of certain elements).
CE marking: applied when the product meets applicable requirements.
EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC): drawn up by the manufacturer, supported by a technical file.
REACH: restricts certain chemical substances in articles, including textiles and coatings.

The UK framework after Brexit

Great Britain has its own regime: the UK Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 and UKCA marking. In practice the technical requirements closely mirror the EU’s, and the UK has continued to accept CE marking for many products. Because this area has changed since Brexit, confirm the current UK government position for your product and timeline rather than assuming. Northern Ireland follows separate arrangements again.

Who is responsible in the EU/UK?

When the manufacturer is outside the EU/UK, an economic operator inside the market — usually the importer, sometimes an authorised or responsible person — takes on legal obligations: keeping the technical file available, ensuring the Declaration of Conformity exists, and acting on safety issues. The overseas factory and project partner provide test reports and product data; the in-market operator holds the compliance position. Decide early who that operator is.

What EN71 testing looks at for plush

EN71-1: small parts, sharp points, seams, attachments and pull/abuse behaviour.
EN71-2: flammability of the materials and surface fibres.
EN71-3: migration limits for certain elements from accessible materials and coatings.

What to prepare

Full material and component breakdown, including dyes, coatings and accessories.
Target market(s) and age grade, including the stricter under-3 category.
Packaging, printed inserts and any warnings.
The intended in-market importer or responsible person.

What JWC can and cannot do

JWC can help plan components for testability and coordinate a testing route with an accredited lab when required. JWC does not issue a CE/UKCA declaration on your behalf, does not guarantee a pass, and does not replace legal advice. The Declaration of Conformity is the manufacturer’s, and import obligations sit with the in-market economic operator. Confirm scope with an accredited laboratory.

EU & UK plush compliance FAQs

Is CE marking a certificate I get from a lab?

No. CE marking is a manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets applicable EU requirements, supported by testing (often to EN71) and a technical file. A lab provides test reports; the manufacturer draws up the EU Declaration of Conformity and applies the CE mark.

Do I need UKCA as well as CE?

Great Britain has its own UKCA marking and Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, but CE marking has continued to be accepted for many products. Because the rules have changed since Brexit, confirm the current UK government guidance for your product and date before deciding.

What is REACH and does it apply to plush?

REACH is EU chemicals regulation that restricts certain substances in articles, including textiles and coatings. Plush projects for the EU should confirm relevant substance restrictions with the testing lab as part of the compliance plan.

Are under-3 plush toys treated differently?

Yes. Toys intended for children under 36 months face stricter requirements, especially around small parts and accessible components. Confirm the age grade early because it changes design, testing and warnings.

Next Resources to Read

US rules

US Plush Compliance

CPSIA, ASTM F963 and the Children’s Product Certificate.

Safety Testing Questions

Prepare material and document questions before testing.

Importing Plush from China: Pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid across the whole project.

Notes & sources

This guide is general education on EU and UK toy-safety requirements for plush, not legal advice. It distinguishes market requirements, buyer expectations and factory-provided documents. JWC does not issue CE/UKCA declarations or guarantee a test pass. Confirm current scope with an accredited laboratory.

Primary references: EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC via EUR-Lex at eur-lex.europa.eu; the EN71 standards; REACH via the European Chemicals Agency at echa.europa.eu; UK requirements via gov.uk. This area changes — verify the current official text for your product and date.