How is LEGO tested for safety?

The bite test
We simulate a child biting LEGO DUPLO® elements to ensure nothing breaks off during play. We use a device shaped like a child's mouth and bite with a force equivalent to 22.5 kg (49 pounds).

The impact test
We drop a 1 kilogram metal disc onto potential weak points of LEGO DUPLO elements from a height of 12 cm. This is to ensure that the element does not break or splinter during play.

The compression test
We simulate a young child stepping on certain LEGO elements by pressing a metal disc with a force equal to 15 kg onto the element to ensure that it does not break or splinter during play.

The drop test
We drop the elements onto a hard surface five times from a height of 1.5 m and 1 m respectively to ensure that LEGO DUPLO and LEGO elements do not splinter or break if a child drops them during play.

The full list of ingredients
We have the full ingredients list of all raw materials and decoration inks we use for LEGO elements. We examine whether in theory an additional substance could be present, for example due to unintentional contamination.

Hazard classification
We consult official hazard classification databases to check whether individual substances pose an inherent hazard to which a child may be exposed during play.

Color migration
We conduct chemical tests simulating children exposing LEGO elements to sweat and saliva. This ensures that no color pigments migrate from the LEGO element upon contact with these liquids.

Content analysis
We perform a total content analysis to determine that no substances are present above the legal limits or internally determined limits.

Migration of substances
We also find that no substance migrates from LEGO elements at any level of care, taking into account that children may put LEGO elements in their mouths during play.

What are LEGO elements made of?

The LEGO system in Play includes thousands of different elements made from a range of different plastic materials. The type of material used to create an element depends on how it is to be used with other elements.

Some elements need to be sturdy and require a certain type of plastic, while others may be more flexible and require a different type of plastic. A window, a lush leaf, an off-road tire, or a good old wall of 2x4s are all different types of plastic.