Buy EN71 Compliant Colored Pencils Online
Whether you’re a parent shopping for safe art supplies for your child, a teacher stocking a classroom, or an artist sourcing high-quality tools, one factor should never be overlooked: safety compliance. When it comes to colored pencils, colored pencils EN71 compliant are your best bet for combining creative performance with health and safety assurance. But what exactly does EN71 compliance mean, and how do you find the right set online? This article breaks it all down, guiding you through the essentials of choosing and buying EN71 compliant colored pencils with confidence.
What Does EN71 Compliance Mean?
EN71 is a European safety standard that applies to toys and art materials intended for children. It outlines a series of tests that ensure products are free from harmful chemicals, choking hazards, and other safety risks. For colored pencils, this typically includes:
- Testing for toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium
- Assessing the durability and break-resistance of the pencil casing
- Evaluating flammability and labeling accuracy
EN71 compliance is mandatory for any art supply sold in the EU that is marketed to children under 14. For consumers outside Europe, it’s still a valuable indicator of product safety. If you’re shopping online, especially for younger users, always look for EN71 certification in the product description or packaging.
Why EN71 Compliant Colored Pencils Matter
Colored pencils are often used by children, who may chew on them or handle them for long periods. Non-compliant pencils can contain unsafe pigments, coatings, or adhesives. EN71 ensures that you’re not only getting a quality product but also one that won’t pose health risks during use.
For professional artists, EN71 compliance is also a sign of manufacturing integrity. Brands that meet these standards typically uphold better quality control, raw material sourcing, and environmental responsibility. So even if you’re not buying for kids, EN71-compliant pencils are a smart, ethical choice.
Top Brands Offering EN71 Compliant Colored Pencils
Many of the world’s most respected colored pencil manufacturers ensure their products meet EN71 standards. Here’s a comparison of some leading options:
| Brand | Product Line | Core Type | EN71 Compliant | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell | Polychromos | Oil-based | Yes | Professional artists |
| Prismacolor | Premier Soft Core | Wax-based | Yes | Blending and layering |
| Caran d’Ache | Luminance 6901 | Wax-based | Yes | Lightfastness and archival work |
| Staedtler | Noris Club | Wax-based | Yes | Students and classrooms |
For a detailed breakdown of these brands, refer to this comprehensive guide from Art is Fun, which compares performance, durability, and value across multiple colored pencil lines.
Where to Buy EN71 Compliant Colored Pencils Online
When purchasing EN71 compliant colored pencils online, it’s important to buy from reputable retailers or directly from brand websites. Here are a few trusted sources:
- Amazon – Offers a wide selection of EN71-compliant brands. Look for listings that mention “conforms to EN71” in the product description.
- Blick Art Materials – A favorite among artists for its curated selection and detailed product specs.
- Jackson’s Art Supplies – UK-based, excellent for European shoppers looking for EN71-certified options.
- Faber-Castell Official Store – Direct from the manufacturer, ensuring authenticity and compliance.
Always check for certification labels or documentation in the product listing. If in doubt, contact the seller or manufacturer for confirmation.
How to Identify EN71 Certification
EN71 compliance is usually indicated by labels such as:
- “Conforms to EN71”
- CE Mark (for European Economic Area)
- Third-party testing certifications (e.g., TÜV, SGS)
Some brands also include downloadable safety data sheets (SDS) on their websites. These documents provide detailed information about the chemical composition and safety of the materials used in the pencils.
What to Consider When Choosing Colored Pencils
Beyond safety, your choice of colored pencils should reflect your needs and artistic goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Core hardness: Soft cores are better for blending; hard cores for fine detail.
- Binder type: Wax-based pencils are smooth and blendable; oil-based pencils are more durable and precise.
- Lightfastness: Important for professional work that will be displayed or sold.
- Color range: Look for sets with a wide spectrum of hues and tones.
For beginners, a mid-range set like Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Goldfaber is a great place to start. Professionals may prefer the archival quality of Caran d’Ache Luminance or Faber-Castell Polychromos.
EN71 Compliance in OEM and Private Label Manufacturing
For retailers or educational institutions looking to produce their own branded colored pencils, EN71 compliance is a must. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pencil factories often offer EN71 testing as part of their production process.
When sourcing from a manufacturer, request the following:
- EN71 test reports from certified labs
- Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
- Production samples with compliance labeling
Partnering with a factory that specializes in children’s art supplies can streamline the compliance process. Many Chinese and European manufacturers have in-house quality control teams to ensure every batch meets EN71 standards.
Tips for Safe Use and Storage
Even with EN71 compliant colored pencils, proper use and storage enhance safety and longevity:
- Store pencils in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight
- Keep away from very young children unless supervised
- Sharpen with a quality sharpener to prevent splintering
- Dispose of broken pencils responsibly
For classrooms and studios, consider organizing pencils by color and type in labeled trays or cases. This not only keeps things tidy but also minimizes the risk of misuse or ingestion.
Conclusion: Make a Safe and Smart Choice
In the world of art supplies, safety and performance should go hand in hand. Choosing colored pencils EN71 compliant ensures that you’re working with materials that meet strict European safety standards—ideal for children, students, and professionals alike.
Whether you’re buying a starter set for a young artist or sourcing professional-grade tools for your studio, prioritize EN71 compliance as a marker of quality and responsibility. With trusted brands like Faber-Castell, Prismacolor, and Caran d’Ache leading the way, finding the right set online has never been easier.
For more insights into colored pencil quality and comparisons, check out this beginner’s guide from Art is Fun, or explore Faber-Castell’s official website for product-specific compliance details.