Regulation in the Toy Industry — CPSIA and ASTM F963-16
Since 2008, Section 106 of the Consumer Product Improvement Safety Act (CPSIA) has required toy safety testing abide in accordance to ASTM F963-16. In the years following, ASTM F963-16 went from being a voluntary standard to a mandatory requirement. All products imported and/or manufactured in the United States that are designated for children 12 years of age or younger are required to follow this standard. Toy mechanical hazard testing is outlined in several sections of ATSM F963-16 which assert required simulation of use and misuse of children’s products that may identify potential hazards. The presence of chemicals such as lead, and other heavy metals in toys are addressed in the other sections of the standard for reference. Based on the toy’s design and age grade, ATS can provide applicable testing to meet the ASTM F963-16 standard.
Areas of Testing and Certification
Key areas of testing and certification to ASTM F963-16 include the following, but are not limited to:
- Soluble (Heavy) Metals Analysis
- Small Part Testing
- Sharp Point Testing
- Sharp Edge Testing
- Magnet Testing
- Strangulation Hazard Assessment
- Seam Testing
- Flammability Testing
- Product Labeling