Toy Safety

Is there a federally mandated toy safety standard?

Yes, toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age must comply with the federal toy safety standard enacted by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (pdf) of 2008 (CPSIA).

 

What is the toy safety standard?

The toy safety standard currently in place is ASTM F 963-08 (for all toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age) and ASTM F 963-07ε1 (for toy chests). The resources available at this website refer to both, collectively, as the "toy safety standard".

 

You may view a summary and purchase the toy safety standard in its entirety from ASTM International's website

 

Is third-party testing and certification required for the toy safety standard?

Yes. Third-party testing and certification is required for those toys designed or intended primarily for children 12 and under.

 

Where do I learn more?

This page will serve as the CPSC's primary resource page for all information related to the toy safety standard. Please bookmark the page and check back soon for additional information and guidance on the federal toy safety standard. In the meantime, please submit your questions about the toy safety standard in the "Submit a Question" box and your question will be reviewed by CPSC staff.

 

Resources

  • FAQs
  • Third Party Testing in Certain Children's Products; Toys: Requirements for Accreditation of Third Party Conformity Assessment Bodies, 16 CFR Chapter II, Notice of Requirements, August 3, 2011 [Text] [PDF]
  • Laboratory Test Manual for Toy Testing [PDF]
  • ASTM F 963-11 Chart

 

This communication has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is based upon the facts and information presented. This communication does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and has not been reviewed or approved by the Commission, and does not necessarily represent their views. Any views expressed in this communication may be changed or superseded by the Commission.