> But why is the certification so strict? Why isn't the certification somewhat looser, so that official sets can be less expensive? It's not like the exact dime

> But why is the certification so strict? Why isn't the certification somewhat looser, so that official sets can be less expensive? It's not like the exact dimensions, weights, shapes or materials influence the game play like e.g. a football ball does, or a formula racing car. Isn't it a general lack of demand? Machine-produced chess sets are commonplace and much cheaper to make en masse. A handmade chess like this is also also a luxury item at this point, and luxury items may have arbitrary price tags.