New US Toy Standard Required

Textile Testing
The New US Toy Safety Standard Required
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is now requiring toy manufacturers to test to the new Toy Safety Standard, ASTM F963-16. The new standard was effective as of April 30, 2017. The changes affect the following: battery operated toys, projectiles, toy chests, magnets, heavy elements, microbiological safety, acoustics, cords and elastics, stuffing material, and labeling. Read the changes in their entirety, here.
Many toy manufacturers are familiar with the European toy safety requirement, EN 71, which the changes to ASTM F963-16 are aligned more closely with EN 71. ATS is accredited and approved by the CPSC to test products to the revised ASTM F963-16. If you would like a quotation or if we can answer any questions about the revised standard please feel free to contact ATS.
Washington State Regulating Flame Retardant Chemicals
Effective July 1, 2017 the state of Washington will prohibit the distribution and sales of products and furniture containing specific flame retardant chemicals. This follows suit of other states banning flame retardant chemicals. The Washington regulation includes the following: TDCPP, TCEP, Decabromodiphenyl ether, HBCD, or additive TBBPA. Read the law on the Washington State Legislature site, here.
Phthalate Analysis — New Industries Concerned
ATS performs phthalate analysis on a routine basis for a variety of requirements; such as CPSC, CA Prop 65, RoHS, and EU requirements. As of recent, ATS has worked closely with two new industries that are not necessarily regulated (in terms of phthalates), but due to consumer concern testing for phthalates is conducted.
One area is the pet industry, specifically pet toys. ATS was recently listed as a testing lab for phthalate analysis in Dogs Naturally May-June edition. We have worked with pet toy manufacturers to ensure items do not contain high levels of CPSC and CA Prop 65 phthalates.
Additionally, phthalates in food products and food packaging is a growing concern. ATS works with food manufacturing clients to achieve low-level phthalate analysis on solid and liquid food items. In addition to achieving low detection limits ATS has also expanded the list of phthalates we analyze for to meet the growing demands of our clients.