Certifications for Toy Safety: Regulations You Must Know

The safety of children’s toys always comes first. Therefore, toy manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers around the world must comply with strict safety certifications and regulations.

Toy safety regulations and standards differ from country to country, but many regions follow similar principles.

In the United States, the CPSIA and ASTM F963 are key standards. Europe follows the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) and the EN 71 standards. Other countries, like Canada, Australia, Japan, and China, have their own rigorous standards.

In this article, we will introduce these safety directives and certification requirements, which will help you better realize your business.

United States Toy Safety Regulations

On October 13, 2023, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released the latest version of the toy safety standard ASTM F963-23. This mandatory standard came into effect on April 20, 2024, replacing the old version F963-17.

ASTM F963 Basic Requirements

The ASTM F963 Toy Safety Standard is a critical component of the CPSIA, serving as a benchmark for toy safety in the United States. The main requirements include:

Physical properties

Material quality; filling materials; sound toys
Small parts; accessible sharp edges; protrusions
Accessible sharps; wires and rods; nails and fasteners
Packaging film; folding mechanisms and hinges; ropes and rubber bands
Stability and overload requirements

Chemical properties

It is prohibited to use paint or similar surface coatings with a lead content exceeding 0.06% (600 mg/kg) of the total non-volatile weight of the paint or the weight of the dry paint film.
The weight of soluble antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium in the surface coating material should not exceed the corresponding values given in the table below.

Key Changes in ASTM F963-23

ASTM F963-23 has little impact on the chemical testing items of most existing toys. For toys containing expanding materials or battery-operated toys, you may need to modify the design to meet the latest requirements.

Phthalates

The following eight phthalates in accessible plastic materials of toys shall not exceed 0.1% (1000 ppm) consistent with 16 CFR 1307:

Di(2-ethyl)hexyl phthalate (DEHP)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
Dipentyl phthalate (DPENP)
Dihexyl phthalate (DHEXP)
Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)

Labeling

The new standard requires traceability labels to be affixed to toy products and their packaging, including:

The name of the manufacturer or private labeler
The location and date of production of the product
Details of the manufacturing process, such as batch or run numbers, or other identifying features
Any other information that helps determine the specific source of the product

Microbiological standards

For toy cosmetics, liquids, pastes, gels, powders and poultry feather products, new USP methods are added instead of using only USP 35, <1231>.

Others

The specification for floor materials in the drop test is replaced by ASTM F1066 instead of Federal Specification SS-T-312B.

ASTM vs CPSIA vs CPC

ASTM F963, the American toy standard, all toys exported to the United States must pass this standard test. It mainly contains three items:

Physical and mechanical properties
Combustion characteristics
Toxic substance content

CPSIA is a US regulation for children’s products, including but not limited to toys. The main requirements of this standard are:

Limits on harmful elements such as lead and phthalates in children’s products
Small parts of products that may cause suffocation
Product labeling

After testing according to the requirements of ASTM or CPSIA, you will get the test report, but no certificate.

CPC is the Children’s Product Certificate, which is issued based on the product passing the CPSC-approved laboratory test. CPSC is the Consumer Product Safety Committee, an important consumer protection agency in the United States.

CPSIA testing is the basis for issuing CPC, that is, you need to conduct CPSIA testing and obtain a report before you can get the CPC certificate.

For toys such as slime, plasticine, finger paint, soap bubbles, etc., additional testing of the boron (B) element is required.

Standards/Regulations	Requirement
CPSIA (Market Access Standards)	- Lead content - Traceability label - Current prohibited phthalates
ASTM F963 (Safety Standards)	- Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Flammability - 8 soluble heavy metals - DEHP content（PVC materials/teat/teether - Microbial test（Cosmetic toys、Liquid/gel toys） - Cleanliness（Stuffed toys） - FDA(Containing food toys/cosmetic toys）
US Federal Laws (General Toys)	Physical Mechanical Hazards - Accessible sharp points(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1500.48) - Accessible sharp edges(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1500.49) - Small parts(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1501) Flammability - Non-textile material flammability(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1500.44) - Textile material flammability(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1610)
US Federal Laws (Other Toys)	- Toy gunpowder(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1500.47) - Rattle drum(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1510) - Teat(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1511) - Crib(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1508-1509) - Bassinet(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1512) - Battery-operated toys(CPSC 16 CFR PART 1505)

European Union Toy Safety Regulations

On May 15, 2024, the EU released a proposal for a new toy safety regulation through the WTO, which intends to replace the current EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC). It is expected to take effect in 2024-2025 and be implemented in 2027 or 2028.

Overview of the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC)

Currently, toys entering the European market must comply with the requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) and its harmonized standards (EN 71).

The directive covers a broad spectrum of safety aspects, including:

Physical and mechanical properties: No small or choking parts
Flammability: Toys must not constitute flammable factors.
Chemical properties: 19 metals (limited migration), 66 allergic fragrances (55 prohibited, 11 labeled, limited to 100mg/kg), CMR substances (prohibited).
Electrical properties: Rated voltage cannot exceed 24 volts
Hygiene
Radioactivity

Changes to New Toy Safety Regulation

One obvious change is that the management rules have switched from directive to regulation. Note that the legal force and enforcement of regulations are stronger than directives. We can see that the EU will be stricter in regulating toys.

Secondly, the new toy safety regulation has revised and simplified the chemical properties. The general restrictions for particularly hazardous substances now include:

Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic substances
Endocrine disrupting substances
Respiratory sensitizing substances
Special organ toxic substances

In addition, the new regulation will choose to use digital compliance information, that is, the Product Passport will replace the EU declaration of conformity. Toys without a digital product passport will not be able to enter the EU market in the future.

Finally, the new regulation requires that all warnings begin with the word “Warning”. This preamble can be translated into local languages upon request by the Member States. Warnings can also be supplemented with a universal pictogram.

What is EN 71 Toy Safety Standard

EN71 is the testing standard for toy products in the EU market. It is a technical specification developed by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) for the Toy Safety Directive.

Only by passing the EN71 test can you obtain the CE certificate.

It includes:

EN 71-1: Physical and mechanical tests
EN 71-2: Flammability tests
EN 71-3: Toxic metal leaching tests
EN 71-4: Chemical experimental toys
EN 71-5: Chemical toys for non-experimental use
EN 71-6: Age warning labels
EN 71-7: Children’s coloring agents
EN 71-8: Swings, slides and similar toys for indoor and outdoor family entertainment
EN 71-9: General requirements for organic compounds in toys
EN 71-10: Organic compounds – Sample preparation and extraction
EN 71-11: Analytical methods for organic compounds
EN 71-12: N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosated substances
EN 71-13: Use of fragrances in specified toys

Please note that the EU market surveillance agency will require you to provide the EN 71 test report. If you cannot provide a valid and verifiable report, your toy product may be subject to mandatory recall and sales ban.

EU regulations stipulate that toy EN71 testing must be conducted separately based on different materials and colors, so the charges are also separate.

CE Marking: What It Means and How to Obtain It

Toys entering the EU market must obtain CE certification, that is, the product must bear the CE mark to indicate compliance. The CE marking must be permanently affixed or printed on the product, packaging and user manual.

In addition, exporters and manufacturers are required to issue product declarations of conformity (DoC), user manuals and technical documents.

CE certification process

The company submits an application form to the testing agency, provides information about the toy and sends samples.
The agency determines the EU directives and test standards, test cycles and costs corresponding to the product based on the information.
After the company confirms the quotation, it signs a technical service contract and pays the fee.
The agency engineers conduct a full set of tests and differential tests according to the EU testing standards, write technical documents (TCF), and submit them to the EU agency for review.
After the review is passed, the CE certificate is issued.

Like ASTM, CE certification for toys such as slime, playdough, and air dry clay requires testing for the content of the chemical substance boron (B).

In addition, the chemical composition of preservatives in clay toys must comply with the following standards:

Directive (EU) 2017/774 (amendment of 2009/48/EC)
Directive (EU) 2015/2116 (amendment of 2009/48/EC)
Directive (EU) 2015/2117 (amendment of 2009/48/EC)

Standards/Regulations	Requirement
2009/48/EC (Toy Safety Directive)	- Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Flammability - Migration of certain elements
EN 71 (Safety Standards)	- Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Flammability - Migration of certain elements - Organic compounds
CE certificate (Toys Passport)	- 2009/48/EC Toy Safety Directive - EN71-1 (mechanical physical damage) - EN71-2 (flame retardant test) - EN71-3 (chemical test for hazardous substances) - European or British information
Indirect related directives (Others)	- EU Blue Colorant Directive (2003/3/EC) - Bromine Retardant Directive (2003/11/EC) - ROHS 2.0 Directive on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (2011/65/EU) - Packaging Recycling Directive (2004/12/EC)
REACH Regulations	- REACH SVHC - REACH Annex XVII Phthalates - REACH Annex XVII AZO colorants - REACH Annex XVII Total cadmium

Other International Toy Safety Regulations

Toy safety regulations vary significantly across the globe, each tailored to address unique regional concerns and standards.

Canada’s Toy Regulations under the CCPSA

In Canada, all toys intended for children 12 years and under must meet federal safety standards under the Canada Consumer Products Act (CCPSA). So, selling children’s toys in Canada requires CCPSA certification.

CCPSA certification standards:

Canadian Toys Regulations (SQR/2011-17)
Lead-Containing Consumer Products Regulations (SOR/2018-83)
Phthalates Regulations (SOR/2016-188)
Surface Coating Materials Regulations (SOR/2016-193)

CCPSA testing items:

Physical safety performance
Chemical safety performance
Combustion safety performance

CCPSA certification process:

Submit application
Review materials
Sample test
Certification decision

Based on the review and test results, the relevant Canadian agency will decide whether to grant CCPSA certification. If the toy product meets the safety standards, it will receive a CCPSA certificate.

Australia/New Zealand Toy Safety Standards (AS/NZS ISO 8124)

AS/NZS ISO 8124 is based on ISO 8124-1: 2009 with additional Australian standard changes. It specifies general safety, construction and labeling requirements, as well as test methods for children’s toys.

Test items:

AS/NZS ISO8124-1: Mechanical and physical properties
AS/NZS ISO8124-2: Flammability
AS/NZS ISO8124-3: Transfer of certain elements (8 major heavy metal migration)

Testing process:

Fill in the test application form
Determine the test age group: under three years old or all ages
Provide test samples and pay the test fee
Arrange the test
Issue a test report after the test is passed

On September 5, 2023, the Australian government issued the “Consumer Goods (Toys for Children up to and including 36 Months of Age) Safety Standard 2023”. The new standard will provide an 18-month transition period (before March 5, 2025).

Japan Toy Safety Standard (ST MARK)

In 1971, the Japan Toy Association (JTA) established the Japanese Toy Safety Mark (ST MARK) for toys intended for children 14 years and under.

The S in “ST” stands for safety and the T stands for toys. This standard is voluntary. However, toys entering Japan must comply with the ST Standard and/or the Japan Food Sanitation Law (JFSL).

Specific requirements for ST certification

Part I (Mechanical and Physical Properties)

Determine whether the toy contains sharp edges and dangerous points;
Conduct abuse tests (pressure, tension, torque, impact, drop, etc.);
Determine whether it contains small balls or small parts to prevent children from swallowing and choking hazards;
For heavy static toys, its stability must be determined to avoid injuries caused by collapse;
Lists the methods for toy testing and specifies the requirements for packaging and labeling.

Part II (Flammable Safety)

Toys worn on the head, including hair and tentacles;
Toys for children to enter (such as toy tents), plush stuffed toys, etc., are determined based on their burning speed;
The maximum burning speed specified is 30mm/s.

Part III (Chemical Properties)

Limits of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), and barium (Ba) in surface paints, coatings, and inks of toy materials;
Migration of coloring substances;
Requirements for materials containing polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride;
Tests on formaldehyde and phthalate content of textiles used in toys.

Certification process

The retailer or importer initiates an application to the laboratory;
The toy is tested by a JTA-approved laboratory in accordance with parts 1-3 of the ST 2016 standard;
After the toy passes the assessment, the retailer or importer must apply for the ST mark and affix it to the toy and/or packaging.

China’s GB 6675 National Toy Safety Standard

In China, the safety of toys needs to comply with the GB6675 standard. This standard addresses mechanical, physical, and chemical safety aspects, including limits on hazardous substances and requirements for small parts testing.

GB6675 test steps

Sample preparation
Appearance inspection: including color, material, logo, warning words, etc.
Mechanical and physical performance test: such as small parts test, sharp edge test, tensile test, etc.
Flammability test
Chemical performance test: such as heavy metal content test, pH value test, etc.
Electronic and electrical performance test
Test result recording and analysis

Standards/Regulations	Requirement
CCPSA (Canada)	- SOR/2010-298 Phthalates Regulations - SOR/2011-17 Toys Regulations * Label requirements * Electronic hazardous * Choking hazard * Toxic hazardous * Heat damage * Physical and mechanical hazardous * Total lead and mercury content * Five soluble heavy metals
AS/NZA ISO 8124 (Australian/New Zealand)	- Part 1: Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Part 2: Flammability - Part 3: Migration of certain elements
ST 2012 (Japan)	- Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Flammability - Chemical requirements
GB 6675 (China)	- Part 1: Physical and Mechanical Hazards - Part 2: Flammability - Part 3: Migration of certain elements

Conclusion

Wherever we sell toys, we must comply with the standards and regulations there. These safety standards and regulations protect our children and consumers, while reducing the entry of inferior products into the market.

In fact, when you sell toys online, e-commerce (Amazon, eBay, etc.) will also require you to provide test reports and certifications.

Feel free to consult toy suppliers and manufacturers to get product safety certificates.