Safety Requirements of ASTM F963

What is ASTM F963?

ASTM F963 is a toy safety standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), officially titled the "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety." This standard is designed to ensure that toys used by children under 14 years of age meet safety requirements in terms of design, materials, and performance to prevent risks of injury caused by toy defects.

While ASTM F963 is not a federal law in itself, it has been incorporated into the federal regulatory system by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via 16 CFR Part 1250. This means all children's toys sold in the U.S. market must comply with the current version of ASTM F963; otherwise, they may face penalties such as recalls, fines, or market bans.

Main Differences Between ASTM F963-23 and astm f963-17

Important Reminder: After April 20, 2024, all test reports and CPC certificates based on ASTM F963-17 are no longer accepted by the CPSC. If your inventory still relies on old reports, please re-test immediately.

ASTM F963-23 Standard Updates

Changes in Substrate Heavy Metal Requirements (Clause 4.3.5.2)

• Exemptions for Paper and Textiles: Descriptions are now clearer and more definitive, making it easier for manufacturers to determine which materials are exempt from testing.

• Modeling Clay: Related clauses have been re-formatted to make the requirements more standardized.

Phthalate Control Upgrade (Clause 4.3.8)

This is one of the most significant chemical updates in F963-23:

New Requirements for Battery-Driven Toys

• Lithium-ion Batteries: New abuse tests added (overcharge, short circuit, crushing, etc.).

• Battery Compartment Design: Must require a tool or at least two independent movements to open.

• Instruction Manual Requirements: Must include instructions for safe battery use and warning labels.

Safety Strengthening for Expanding Materials

For water beads and other water-absorbing expanding toys, F963-23 and the CPSC special draft proposed in July 2024 require:

• The size after expansion must not exceed the dimensions of the Small Parts Cylinder.

• Must be labeled with "Do Not Swallow" warnings and age restrictions.

Requirements for Sound-Producing Toys

• Close-to-the-ear Toys: Stricter limits on peak sound pressure levels.

• Handheld/Tabletop Toys: Added limits for impulse noise.

Kinetic Energy Limits for Projectile Toys

• The kinetic energy of projectiles must not exceed 0.08 J/cm².

• Resilient projectiles must have protective end caps.

Scope of Application

ASTM F963-23 applies to all toy products intended for use by children under 14 years of age, including but not limited to:

Note: The following products are NOT within the scope of ASTM F963:

• Bicycles and scooters (covered by specific standards).

• Children's jewelry (regulated by other laws).

• Cosmetic toys (regulated by FDA).

• Imitation weapons (restricted by other federal regulations).

Core Safety Requirements

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Flammability Requirements (Clause 4.2)

• Solid Toys: Burn rate ≤ 0.1 in/s (2.54 mm/s).

• Textile Toys: Must comply with 16 CFR Part 1610 textile flammability standards.

• Exemptions: Paper, cardboard, natural wood, elastic materials, etc.

Chemical Performance Requirements

Electrical Safety (Battery Toys)

• Clear battery polarity markings.

• Child-resistant battery compartment design.

• Passing lithium-ion battery abuse tests.

• Chargers/adapters must comply with UL standards.

Introduction to CPC Certification

The CPC (Children's Product Certificate) is a mandatory compliance document for children's products exported to the United States.

CPC Core Requirements:

• Must be based on a test report from a CPSC-accredited laboratory.

• Must cite the current ASTM F963-23 version.

• Must include product description, applicable regulations, importer/manufacturer information, test date, and laboratory information.

• Must be updated for every batch or after any change in materials/design.

Process to Obtain CPC: Product sampling → Testing at a CPSC-accredited lab → Issuance of test report → Manufacturer/Importer signs the CPC certificate.

Note: The CPC certificate itself is not a test report, but a declaration of compliance issued by the manufacturer based on a test report. Testing must be completed by a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory.

cpsc testing Process

Standard Testing Workflow

Product sampling → Laboratory evaluation → Physical/Mechanical testing → Chemical testing → Electrical Testing (if applicable)

Issuance of test report → Compliance check → CPC certificate signing → Product listed for sale

Testing Cycle and Sample Requirements

Special Requirements for Different Toy Categories

Related Regulatory Linkage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can test reports for ASTM F963-17 still be used?

A: No. Since April 20, 2024, the CPSC only accepts test reports and CPC certificates based on ASTM F963-23. All newly produced or imported products must be re-tested according to F963-23.

Do all products for children under 14 require astm f963 testing?

A: Yes, all toy products designed or primarily intended for use by children under 14 must comply with ASTM F963-23. However, some products (e.g., bicycles, cosmetic toys) may be subject to other specific regulations.

What are Amazon US's special requirements for ASTM F963?

A: Amazon requires all children's toys to provide a valid CPC certificate and ASTM F963 test report upon listing. The platform conducts regular audits, and products without compliance documents will be removed.

What should I do if an ASTM F963 test fails?

A: First, analyze the failed items (Physical/Chemical/Electrical) and perform targeted rectification:

• Physical failure: Modify design, strengthen structure, change fastening methods.

• Chemical failure: Replace raw materials, change suppliers, adjust formulas.

• Electrical failure: Improve battery compartment design, change battery specifications.
  Re-submit samples for testing after rectification until passed.

Can the CPC certificate be issued by the manufacturer themselves?

A: Yes. The CPC certificate is self-issued by the manufacturer or importer based on a test report from a CPSC-accredited laboratory. However, the test itself must be completed by a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory and cannot be performed in-house.

What is the difference between ASTM F963 and EU EN 71?

A: Both are Toy Safety Standards, but their scopes and specific requirements differ:

Exporters to different markets must meet the corresponding standard requirements separately.

Does toy packaging need to comply with ASTM F963?

A: Yes. Toy packaging (e.g., plastic bags, films) must comply with ASTM F963 requirements for flammability and suffocation risks. Plastic film thickness must be ≥ 0.038mm or include perforation.

Do handicrafts/homemade toys require ASTM F963 testing?

A: If sold in the U.S. market, whether mass-produced or handmade, any product intended for children under 14 must comply with ASTM F963-23 and obtain a CPC certificate.

ASTM F963-23 is a mandatory safety standard for the U.S. toy market, covering physical, chemical, and electrical safety across multiple dimensions. With the official implementation of the new version in April 2024, changes such as the expanded scope of phthalate control, upgraded requirements for battery toys, and strengthened safety for expanding materials have placed higher demands on manufacturers.