Fuse beads tested by independent laboratories
Our 2.6 mm fuse beads are made in the Artkal factory in Shenzhen. In 2026, independent laboratories tested them against European, UK, Canadian and US standards. Here is what matters, without the jargon.
elements detected out of 19 tested (lead, cadmium, mercury...)
PAHs detected out of 15 tested
phthalates detected out of 8 tested
regulatory frameworks: EU, UK, Canada, USA
Made for adults, tested to toy standards
Our beads are a creative material designed for adults. Even so, the factory has them tested against the European toy safety standards (EN 71), some of the most demanding there are. For you, that means a controlled material you can handle for hours with complete peace of mind.
What the tests show
Heavy metals: none detected
19 elements tested under EN 71-3, including lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium VI. None were detected. For lead, the lab's detection threshold is almost 90 times lower than the legal limit.
PAHs: none detected
PAHs are unwanted compounds that can be found in some plastics and pigments. 15 were tested under the German GS mark standard (AfPS GS 2019:01), which is stricter than EU regulation. None were detected.
Phthalates: none detected, PVC-free
8 phthalates tested (including DEHP, DBP, BBP and DINP) across many colours of the range. None were detected. Our beads are made of polyethylene and EVA, with no PVC.
Formaldehyde: not detected
Tested by a CNAS-accredited laboratory with international recognition (ILAC-MRA). Result: below the detection threshold.
Made for ironing
Flammability behaviour compliant with EN 71-2. Mechanical safety compliant with EN 71-1: no hazardous edges or points.
Compliant in 4 markets
European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and United States: the same beads meet all four frameworks, with reports dated 2026.
Artkal or MARD? Let's clear it up
We get this question a lot. The answer comes down to two things:
Artkal Mini 2.6 mm
Made in the Artkal factory (Shenzhen Ukenn Culture Development Co., Ltd.). We receive it in C‑500G factory bags, then pack it in our studio.
MARD, 221 colours
The MARD colour system (A01, C12, H07...) was first created by the MARD brand. Since then it has spread widely, becoming the go-to reference for bead patterns and shaping the colour ranges of most fuse bead manufacturers today. We use it to name and organise our colours, so you can follow a pattern with no conversion.
One bead brand, one colour system: your bags never mix beads from different manufacturers.
The test reports
Reports issued in 2026 at the manufacturer's request, on samples of Artkal beads. Each laboratory certifies the compliance of the samples tested.
EN 71-1, -2, -3
European Union- Tested
- Mechanical safety, flammability, migration of 19 elements
- Report no.
DTI2026TY040908-1R- Date
- 17 Sep 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen Deesev Testing (DTI)
BS EN 71-1, -2, -3
United Kingdom- Tested
- Mechanical safety, flammability, migration of 19 elements
- Report no.
DTI2026TY040908-2R- Date
- 17 Sep 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen Deesev Testing (DTI)
SOR/2011-17 & CCPSA
Canada- Tested
- Mechanical safety, flammability, total lead content
- Report no.
DTI2026TY040908-3- Date
- 11 Sep 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen Deesev Testing (DTI)
ASTM F963-23 & CPSIA
United States- Tested
- Lead, metal migration, 8 phthalates, flammability
- Report no.
CTB26060908301C01- Date
- 8 Jul 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen CTB Testing Technology
AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK
Germany, GS mark- Tested
- 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Report no.
DTI2026TY050423- Date
- 29 Apr 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen Deesev Testing (DTI)
GB 18401-2010, class A
Formaldehyde- Tested
- Formaldehyde content
- Report no.
U18904260330101C- Date
- 2 Apr 2026
- Laboratory
- Shenzhen UONE Test (CNAS)
To view a full report, visit the manufacturer's Certificates page, or email us with the report number.
Good to know
- Small parts: keep beads out of reach of young children.
- Always iron through an ironing sheet, never with the iron in direct contact.
- If children join a session, an adult does the ironing.
- Our beads are a craft material: they are not intended for contact with food.