U.S. CPSC Certification ASTM F963-23 Toy Test Standard

On January 18, 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved ASTM F963-23 as the new mandatory toy safety standard. The new standard will take effect on April 20, 2024, unless significant adverse comments are received by February 20, 2024. On January 19, 2024, the U.S. also notified the WTO of this update under G/TBT/N/USA/1272/Rev.1/Add.2.

Key Revisions in the New ASTM F963-23 Standard:

Heavy Metals in Substrate Materials

Separate descriptions are provided for exemption scenarios (especially for paper and paperboard materials), with clear explanations on determining accessibility. This revision incorporates previous CPSC decisions exempting certain materials from third-party testing and certification requirements under ASTM F963.

Phthalates

The phthalates requirement has been updated to cover 8 types (8P), aligning with the control limits, testing methods, and testing materials of 16 CFR 1307.

Sound-Producing Toys

Definitions for push/pull toys (formerly called push/pull toys) and table, floor, or crib toys have been revised for easier distinction. Toys intended for children under 14 must comply with sound requirements both before and after use and abuse testing. For toys intended for children aged 8 to 14, use and abuse testing requirements for children aged 36 to 96 months apply.

Battery-Operated Toys

The requirements for battery accessibility have been enhanced, including:

a. Abuse testing is also required for toys intended for children over 96 months;

b. Fasteners on battery compartments must remain attached after abuse testing and be secured to the toy or battery compartment to prevent loss;

c. Special tools provided with the toy to open the battery compartment must be explained in the instruction manual.

Expanding Materials

The scope of expanding materials has been expanded to include non-small part expanding materials. Errors in the dimensional tolerance of the test device have also been corrected.

Projectile Toys

The order of clauses has been adjusted for better logical flow, and Note 45 has been removed.

Labeling and Instructions

New requirements have been added for traceability labels and special tools included for opening battery compartments.

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As a professional third-party testing and certification agency, JJR Laboratory in China provides testing services for toy standards in markets including the U.S., EU, China, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, we offer one-stop restricted substance testing services such as RoHS, REACH, POPs, California Proposition 65, TSCA, and FCM (food contact materials).