Oil-Based Colored Pencil ASTM and EN71 Compliance Guide

For artists, educators, and buyers sourcing premium art materials, understanding the compliance standards behind the products is essential. Whether you’re looking to buy pencils for professional use or evaluating a pencil supplier for bulk orders, knowing how oil-based colored pencils measure up to ASTM and EN71 standards ensures both quality and safety. This guide breaks down what these certifications mean, why they matter, and how to make informed choices in a crowded market.

Why ASTM and EN71 Standards Matter in the Pencil Industry

At first glance, a colored pencil may seem like a simple tool. But behind every premium oil-based colored pencil lies a complex manufacturing process — and a set of international standards that ensure the final product is safe, durable, and reliable. Two of the most important certifications are:

• ASTM D6901 – The American Society for Testing and Materials standard for lightfastness in colored pencils.
• EN71 – The European standard for toy safety, which includes chemical safety for art materials used by children.

Compliance with these standards isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must for any reputable pencil supplier or manufacturer aiming to serve professional artists or educational markets.

Understanding ASTM D6901: Lightfastness and Longevity

ASTM D6901 is the gold standard for evaluating the oil-based colored pencil’s resistance to fading over time. This is known as lightfastness — a critical factor for artists who want their work to remain vibrant and unchanged for decades.

The Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) has been instrumental in promoting awareness of this standard. According to the CPSA, pencils that meet ASTM D6901 must be tested for lightfastness using rigorous methods such as the Blue Wool Scale or Xenon Arc testing. Each color is individually rated and must fall into one of two categories to be compliant:

• Lightfastness I – Excellent resistance to fading.
• Lightfastness II – Very good resistance to fading.

Only when all colors in a pencil set meet these criteria can the product be labeled as ASTM D6901 compliant. This ensures consistency across the range and gives buyers confidence in the product’s archival quality. To learn more about how these standards are defined and applied, visit the Colored Pencil Society of America’s ASTM resource.

EN71: Safety Standards for the European Market

While ASTM focuses on performance, EN71 is all about safety. This European standard is mandatory for any product marketed to children in the EU, and it’s especially relevant for educational supplies and hobbyist art materials. EN71 is divided into several parts, but the most relevant for colored pencils are:

• EN71-3 – Migration of certain elements (chemical safety).
• EN71-9 – Organic chemical compounds (such as solvents and preservatives).

For oil-based colored pencils, EN71 compliance ensures that the pigments, binders, and additives used do not contain harmful substances like lead, cadmium, or phthalates. This is particularly important for school supplies or any product intended for children under 14.

Manufacturers must submit their products for third-party lab testing, and successful compliance allows them to affix the CE mark — a requirement for distribution within the European Economic Area.

What This Means for Pencil Buyers and Distributors

If you’re sourcing pencils for resale, education, or professional art supply, ASTM and EN71 compliance should be non-negotiable. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a supplier or product line:

• Labeling: Check for ASTM D6901 and CE marks clearly indicated on packaging.
• Technical Data Sheets: Reputable suppliers should provide documentation showing compliance test results.
• Color Range Consistency: Ensure all colors in a set meet the same compliance level — not just a few flagship shades.
• Third-Party Certification: Look for lab reports from recognized testing bodies, especially for EN71 compliance.

In the OEM and private label space, these standards are also critical for brand reputation. A manufacturer that cannot meet or demonstrate compliance with ASTM or EN71 should raise red flags for any potential buyer.

How Manufacturers Achieve Compliance

From a production standpoint, achieving ASTM and EN71 compliance involves careful formulation and rigorous quality control. Here’s a look at how it works behind the scenes:

1. Pigment Selection: Lightfastness begins with the right pigments. Manufacturers must choose high-grade, stable pigments that resist UV degradation.

2. Binder Formulation: For oil-based colored pencils, the binder (often a mix of waxes and oils) must support pigment dispersion without affecting lightfastness or introducing harmful chemicals.

3. Batch Testing: Each production run is tested for consistency in color, lightfastness, and chemical safety. This is particularly vital for OEM orders where compliance claims must be backed by data.

4. Documentation: Compliance isn’t just about product quality — it’s about traceability. Manufacturers must maintain detailed records of raw materials, testing results, and safety data sheets (SDS) to support their claims.

For a deeper dive into the EN71 testing process, the European Commission’s official site provides a comprehensive overview: Toy Safety in the EU.

Choosing the Right Oil-Based Colored Pencil Supplier

With so many options on the market, choosing a compliant and reliable pencil supplier can be challenging. Here are a few tips to guide your selection:

• Ask for Certifications: Don’t assume compliance — request ASTM and EN71 certificates or lab reports.
• Request Samples: Test the pencils yourself for color vibrancy, smoothness, and packaging quality.
• Evaluate Manufacturing Capabilities: Look for suppliers with in-house R&D and quality control teams.
• Check for OEM Support: If you plan to buy pencils under your own brand, choose a partner experienced in private labeling and regulatory compliance.

Some of the leading global pencil manufacturers maintain ISO-certified facilities and offer full compliance documentation, making them ideal partners for brands targeting professional or educational markets.

Conclusion: Compliance Is Quality

In today’s discerning art supply market, compliance with ASTM and EN71 standards is more than a regulatory checkbox — it’s a signal of quality, safety, and trust. Whether you’re an artist looking for lasting color performance or a distributor sourcing materials for resale, understanding these certifications empowers you to make smarter buying decisions.

By prioritizing compliance, you not only protect your brand and customers — you also align with the highest standards of craftsmanship and responsibility in the industry.