Silicone beads are almost always sold to make baby or children's items. There are very strict rules in Europe for those types of products.
Silicone beads are usually sold stating that they are BPA-free and made of food-grade silicone. That is indeed correct. All silicone is BPA-free, because that is a substance that only occurs in plastic, but that alone is not enough reason to approve the items for the European market. (This also applies to the message 'FDA-approved'. The FDA is an American body, and is therefore separate from the European market). American regulations in this area are much more flexible than European ones, and the manufacturers' certificates are generally aimed at the American market. Even though most manufacturers say that their products have also been tested for Europe, there is usually 1 mandatory European test done, on 1 color. Other European safety requirements sometimes overlap with American standards. But this also applies to the fact that the factory certificates generally only apply to 1 color. Manufacturers believe that they have covered everything.

I have had all materials used to make silicone beads, all wood, satin thread and mounting rings and snap closures separately and independently tested to the standards below:

If you make commercial toy items from silicone beads, you are responsible for having their strength tested. This is really important and should be done by an official testing agency. That is the only way that is recognized under European law. Accessories such as key rings and pens do not need to be tested. Testing is only mandatory for items intended for children up to 3 years of age.

With teething rings, each composition of beads counts as a different model , and you must therefore have your individual models tested separately in order to be allowed to apply a mark and to actually be allowed to officially/legally sell them. (Unless you make your teething ring exactly, i.e. also in the same way in terms of order of beads , as that of someone who has had that specific model tested, and all chemical certificates are available for all colors)

Silicone teething hangers that can also be used as separate toys must also be tested for strength as toys. But even if you would like to use them on a Maxi Cosi pendant, teething ring or stroller tensioner, it is important that the pendants themselves have passed the test. Otherwise your final product will never be approved.

The beads I sell have not been tested by me for strength. The reason for this is that I only sell individual parts and the strength partly depends on the way in which the items are processed. An exception to this are the elephant pendants. These have been tested as 'toys'.

Please note: some beads have now been tested separately by others for 'small parts'. I put the warning '3+' on the beads that did not pass those tests. You cannot use these beads for products for children under the age of 3, but you can use them for key rings and pens, for example.
Not all beads have been tested, so this does not automatically mean that other beads with 'protrusions' will pass the test. So always remain very critical when making baby items and err on the side of caution when it comes to components (no matter how nice certain beads look). Safety is the most important thing when it comes to baby items!

Pacifier cords must comply with EN 12586 . This standard applies especially to pacifier cords . The standard includes, among other things, that the cord without clip may not be longer than 22 cm, that no parts can become loose, the parts used are not too small, and that all materials used are certainly free of harmful substances. (Certificates are therefore required for this). The clip must have ventilation holes.
Testing is not mandatory for pacifier cords, but there have been several recalls in recent years because pacifier cords turned out to be unsafe. If you want to be sure, have your items tested!

Teething rings must be tested according to EN 71-1 and EN 71-2 . In terms of costs per model, count on 200-250 euros. So if you are just starting out and want to meet all the requirements, it may be smart to design a maximum of 2-3 basic models and vary the colors within them.
Each 'model' officially requires a separate test. A model is a specific sequence of beads. If you have had 1 teething ring tested, you know that your tying method is safe, but with different bead compositions, different forces act on the individual beads, and the results of the tests may therefore be different.

General safety notes regarding the items I sell:

• Silicone products were primarily produced to be used by teething babies. A number of items also turned out to be (fortunately) suitable for use by heavy biters. Although silicone is quite sturdy and resilient, it is very important to regularly check the products for damage.
• The plastic safety closures and plastic mounting rings are not intended to be bitten! If your child appears to prefer this, keep a close eye on whether the closure remains intact!
  Always attach a pacifier cord or play cord to something, so that the closure is not directly bitten. Children's chains are intended for children from 3 years of age, are not toys, and should of course be checked regularly for damage.
• I spent a long time trying to find ways to string the silicone in such a way that absolutely no beads can come loose during normal use. For example, according to my instructions, teething rings are knotted on both sides. If the last knot ever becomes loose, the thread must first go all the way back through all the beads, after which a triple knot remains.
  For items with snap closures, I recommend tying a button directly behind the closure, so that the thread cannot slide back and the button can become exposed (this could cause the closure to become loose).
• Although I have put a lot of time and care into the safe basting videos, it is important that the items are only used under supervision and I cannot be held liable for the end result. The videos are purely there to help you get started. I once made them because I saw very dangerous things happening, but the end results have not all been officially tested. Of course, I did exert a lot of force on the articles in all kinds of ways and tried to see if the thread really couldn't come loose. The ultimate strength and safety of what you make is your own responsibility.
  Do not give pacifier cords, play cords or teething rings to bed!
  In addition, make sure that pacifier cords and play cords are not too long. A pacifier cord may be a maximum of 22 cm long without a clip, so that it cannot get tangled around your child's neck.

Note: If you make an item yourself from beads that you purchase from me, you are also responsible for the safety of this product. Even if you use my help videos.

The instructions are primarily intended for private individuals who want to make something for their own use.

If you make commercial items from silicone beads, you are responsible for having their strength tested. (So ​​I have already had the chemical tests done for you).

If you have any doubts about its firmness, please start over! Always follow common sense when using silicone beads, so for example never let your children play with strung items unsupervised and make sure they cannot reach the loose beads!

Do you disagree with my way of tying knots? Which can! Feel free to use a different method yourself, but always keep safety first.