Applied Technical Services’ consumer product testing lab performs toy testing and analysis to ensure that toy manufacturers’ products are compliant with all industry standards and government regulations. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (A2LA), CPSC, and EN 71 accredited to perform a variety of consumer product testing methods to achieve this goal.
What are the Most Common Toy Testing Requirements?
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was enacted on August 14, 2008, by President Bush. This legislation requires toy testing to determine the safety of these products.
What Currently Requires a Certificate of Conformity to Comply with the Law?
Where required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toy testing must be completed with a third-party accredited lab.
| Regulation | Method | Limit (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Content in Paint & Similar Surface Coatings | CPSC-CH-E1003-09 16 CFR Part 1303 | 90 ppm |
| Lead Content in Children’s Metal Jewelry or Metal Products | CPSC-CH-E1001-08 | 300 ppm |
| Lead Content in Children’s Non-Metal Products | CPSC-CH-E1002-08 | 300 ppm |
| Full-Size Cribs | 16 CFR Parts 1508, 1500.18(a)(13), and 1500.18(a)(14) | Pass/Fail |
| Non-Full Size Cribs | 16 CFR Parts 1509, 1500.18(a)(13), and 1500.18(a)(14) | Pass/Fail |
| Pacifiers | 16 CFR Parts 1511 and 1500.18(a)(8) | Pass/Fail |
| Small Part Rule | 16 CFR Part 1500.19 | Pass/Fail |
| Bicycle Helmets | 16 CFR Part 1203 | Pass/Fail |
| Infant Bath Seats | 16 CFR Part 1215 | Pass/Fail |
| Infant Walkers | 16 CFR Part 1216 | Pass/Fail |
| Clacker Balls | 16 CFR Part 1500.86 | Pass/Fail |
| Dive Sticks | 16 CFR Part 1500.86 | Pass/Fail |
| Bicycles | 16 CFR Part 1512 | Pass/Fail |
| Bunk Beds | 16 CFR Part 1513 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Vinyl Plastic Film | 16 CFR Part 1611 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Carpets & Rugs | 16 CFR Part 1630 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Small Carpets & Rugs | 16 CFR Part 1631 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Clothing Textiles | 16 CFR Part 1610 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads | 16 CFR Part 1632 | Pass/Fail |
| Flammability of Mattress Sets | 16 CFR Part 1633 | Pass/Fail |
What Items are Exempt from Lead Testing?
The CPSC website lists a few items that do not need to comply with the lead limits. They include, but are not limited to the following:
- Wood
- Natural Materials
- Yarn — (dyed/undyed)
- Certain Educational Materials (Chemistry Sets)
- Printed Items Using the Traditional Print Process — CYMK
- Children’s Books Printed after 1985
These items are just a few of the exemptions per the CPSC. You can find the full list here.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a group of plasticizers used in products to give them their soft and flexible texture. They are produced from oils and used in products such as plastics, solvents, and personal care products. Phthalates must be detected through a toy testing analysis method, as its colorless and odorless properties mean it cannot be observed otherwise.
What Phthalates are Currently Banned?
Three phthalate compounds are permanently banned, which includes DEHP, DBP, and BBP. These three phthalates have been banned in concentrations of more than 0.1%, which applies to “children’s toys” and “child care articles.”
Three other phthalate compounds are banned, pending further review by the Commission. These phthalates include DINP, DIDP, and DnOP in concentrations of more than 0.1%. This ban applies to “child care articles” and toys that can be placed in a child’s mouth to be sucked or chewed on.
California Proposition 65 has added an additional phthalate compound to their list of over 950 compounds, which is DNHP. This becomes a labeling issue if phthalate DNHP is present in your product, then you must place a warning label informing consumers.
What Do I Do if My Item is Found Non-Compliant with One of the Current Requirements?
Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Retailers are required to report to the CPSC under Section 15(B) of the Consumer Product Safety Act within 24 hours of obtaining information which reasonably supports the conclusion that a product does not comply with a safety rule issued under CPSAI.
What is a CPC?
A CPC is a Children’s Product Certificate, which shows that your products have been tested by an accredited third-party lab and are compliant with current CPSIA requirements. Most retailers require a CPC.
How Often Should I Retest My Products for Compliance with CPSC Requirements?
The CPSC recommends, at a minimum, annual retesting and certification of products. The determination of the frequency of testing is based on how many batches/lots you produce a year. The amount of samples that need to be tested is based on a batch or lot size. The CPSC provides procedures and calculations for random sampling and testing frequency.
What is the process for testing with ATS?
Upon your request, our staff will put together a quote for you, which will include the sample sizes that need to be submitted for testing. Once you submit samples to our lab, we will provide a quotation as well as what the turnaround time will be for your project. Our typical turnaround time to complete testing is 5-7 business days. Upon completion of testing, we will send you a test report and provide you with guidance to complete the CPC.
