Amazon Toys TIC Review Quick Guide

Recently, Amazon US and EU marketplaces have launched large-scale compliance reviews for toy products. Many sellers have received notifications from the platform requiring all children’s toy products in certain categories to go through the Direct Validation (DV)process with Amazon-approved Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC)institutions.

The traditional method of self-uploading compliance reports will no longer be applicable. Sellers need to adjust their compliance processes promptly.

What is Direct Validation (DV) through TIC? What are the validation methods?

To ensure product safety and compliance, Amazon has introduced the Direct Validationmechanism:

First validation method

①　Products in specified categories must undergo compliance testing/certification directly through Amazon-approved TIC institutions.

②　Existing test reports, compliance materials, and products must be provided according to TIC requirements for validation.

③　Testing and validation results are submitted directly to Amazon by the TIC institution.

④　Sellers cannot upload compliance documents themselves.

Second validation method

①　Proactively contact qualified ISO17025/CPSC accredited labs and perform full-point testing.

②　On the Amazon submission page, select the designated partnered TIC review institution and send the TRF number to the lab.

③　Sellers cannot upload compliance documents themselves.

Who will be affected by the Children’s Toys TIC Review? What are the applicable standards?

If you sell children’s toys in the US, Canada, UK, or EU8 countries(Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium), compliance must be completed through Direct Validation.

Applicable standards for children’s toys include:

United States (US):

①　All toys: 16 CFR 1250 / ASTM F963-23 (mechanical, physical, chemical requirements); cpsia 101 / 16 cfr 1303 / CPSC-CH-E1001-08 (lead content in children’s products); CPSIA 108 / 16 CFR Part 1307 (phthalates); 16 CFR 1500.44 (flammability); 16 CFR 1501 (small parts).

②　Electric toys: 16 CFR 1250 / ASTM F963-23 (electric toy requirements).

European Union (EU) / United Kingdom (UK):

①　All toys: EN BS 71-1:2014+A1:2018 (mechanical and physical properties); EN BS 71-2:2020 (flammability); EN BS 71-3:2019+A2:2024 / EN BS 71-4:2020+A1:2025 / EN BS 71-13:2021+A2:2024 (migration of specific elements).

②　Toys for children under 36 months (oral contact): EN BS 71-12:2016 (N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances).

③　Electric toys: EN BS 62115:2020+A11:2020.

Canada (CA):

①　All toys: sor/2011-17 (Toys Regulations); SOR/2016-188 (Phthalates); SOR/2016-193 (Surface Coatings); SOR/2018-83 (Lead in Consumer Products); SOR/2011-17 Section 3 (Official Languages – English & French); SOR/2016-192 (Science Education Kits).

②　Electric toys: SOR/2011-17 & CSA 22.2 No.1491972 & CSA 22.2 No.122-M1989.

Which products require TIC review?

①　All toys intended for children 12 years old and under.

②　Including but not limited to building blocks, dolls, electric toys, etc.

③　Some stationery, clothing accessories with toy functions also require certification.

Easily Overlooked Supporting Materials

①　Product manualsmust include applicable age warnings, usage instructions, and safety warnings. (Chinese-English version for general; English-French bilingual version for Canada).

②　Packaging and product bodymust display all mandatory markings, including age labeling, safety warnings, and traceability information (manufacturer, production address down to city and country, production date, product details).

Review Frequency & Report Requirements

①　Amazon requires TIC Direct Validation once per year; report validity is one year. (Expired reports will automatically enter review).

②　Reports must fully cover product links, applicable standards, test projects, and points.

③　Reports must be issued by ISO17025/CPSC labs.

Service Process

1. Business consultation – Pre-review of materials (compliance verification).

2. Fill in application form & send samples.

3. Pay fees.

4. Inspection & testing (including label and marking checks).

5. Obtain reports & certificates (if rectifiable non-conformities occur, sellers will be guided to make corrections and re-validate).

6. Review validation (document certification & upload, provide TRF number; if passed, certificates are uploaded to lab platform).

New rules are about to take effect. To prevent review backlog, arrange early!

FAQs

How much does testing and review validation cost?

Testing costs depend on product complexity and applicable standards. Review validation costs about \$80–\$120(depending on TIC institution pricing).

Are test reports from other labs still valid?

Yes, reports from qualified ISO17025/CPSC labs are valid, but must cover all test points. Reports with false or incomplete data may still be rejected.

If I already have a test report from another lab, what should I do?

If your product category has adopted Direct Validation, after selecting TIC you can provide your existing test report for TIC assessment to determine further testing/review needed.

Why do I still need to pay validation/certification fees if I already have a test report?

Direct Validation reviews the entire product’s safety and compliance, not just the test report. Any costs incurred are borne by the seller.

When can I get processing times and quotations from TICs?

After selecting a TIC, they will provide timelines and quotations. If unsatisfied, you may request quotes from other TICs.

How does Direct Validation work?

A6:

1. Helps sellers directly connect with approved third-party providers who can validate both documents and products, and submit results to Amazon.

2. Simplifies the validation process, improves efficiency, and ensures compliance from the source.

Is there a grace period for completing product testing/validation?

Typically, Amazon provides a grace period for compliance. You can check deadlines for each ASIN in the Account Health Dashboard (AHD).

Will more TIC institutions be added in the future?

Yes, additional international and domestic TIC institutions will join gradually.

What if my product is misclassified or I believe this requirement does not apply?

You may file a compliance appeal:

Select “This requirement does not apply to my product”as the reason.

In the comments, explain why your product was misidentified or why it should not be subject to this requirement. Submit, and Amazon will review. If approved, your ASIN will be reinstated without testing.