US Toy ASTM F963 Testing & CPC Certification

JJR LAB provides professional US toy testing services. We hold CNAS and CMA qualifications, as well as accreditation from the US CPSC and UK UKAS.

We offer comprehensive testing covering toy design and raw materials, physical and mechanical properties, flammability, heavy metals, and migration of chemical substances. We deliver essential technical support and compliance assurance for the design, production, import and export of toy products.

Toys play an essential role in children’s growth for education and intellectual development, and have become indispensable items in daily life. Countries and regions worldwide have formulated distinct safety standards and limit requirements for toy quality control.

Toys are among the most strictly regulated product categories in the United States. Per US regulatory requirements, all toys intended for children aged 14 and under must be tested by a CPSC-recognized third-party laboratory and issued a CPC (Children's Product Certificate) before being sold in the US market.

US Toy Regulations & Standards

The US toy safety regulatory system consists of federal regulations, state-level regulations, and voluntary standards. The core regulations are listed below:

Core Federal Regulations

Relationship Between ASTM F963 and CPSIA

ASTM F963 is a voluntary toy safety standard developed by ASTM International. However, Section 106 of CPSIA incorporates it into mandatory enforcement — all children’s toys sold in the US must comply with the latest version of ASTM F963.

Currently, ASTM F963-23 has taken mandatory effect on April 20, 2024.

CPSIA is a federal law that mainly regulates:

• Total Lead Content: ≤100ppm for any accessible part of children’s products

• Surface Coating Lead Content: ≤90ppm

• Phthalates: Each of the 8 restricted substances ≤0.1% (1000ppm)

Differences Between CPC Certification and astm f963 testing

Many exporters and sellers confuse ASTM F963 testing with CPC certification. The core differences are as follows:

Key Conclusion: ASTM F963 testing is the technical foundation for CPC certification, but passing ASTM F963 testing does not automatically grant a CPC certificate.

The CPC certificate must be issued by the manufacturer or importer based on test reports from a CPSC-recognized laboratory, and shall include:

• Product description and unique identification (ASIN, model number, etc.)

• Each applicable CPSC safety regulation

• Name, address and CPSC recognition number of the testing laboratory

• Information of US importer or manufacturer

• Production date and location

• Test date and location

Major Updates to the New ASTM F963-23 Standard

Effective April 20, 2024, ASTM F963-23 has replaced astm f963-17 as the mandatory standard. Key updates include:

Strengthened Battery Safety Requirements

• New battery accessibility test: For replaceable battery toys, evaluate whether children can access the battery compartment without tools.

• Battery compartments must be designed to require tools (e.g., screwdriver) or two independent simultaneous actions to open.

Tightened Acoustic Limits

• Sound pressure limit for close-to-ear toys reduced from 100dB to 85dB (C-weighted).

• Impulse sound limit for handheld / tabletop / floor toys reduced from 125dB to 115dB.

Expanded Phthalate Control

• Restriction extended from original 6P (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIBP, DPENP) to 8P, adding DHEXP and DCHP.

Adjusted Volume Limit for Expansive Materials

• Volume expansion limit of expansive materials lowered from 50% to 30%, reducing intestinal blockage risks from accidental ingestion by children.

Other Important Revisions

• Added assessment method for kinetic energy density of projectile toys.

• Updated sampling and calculation methods for heavy metal migration testing.

• Strengthened warning label requirements for magnet-containing toys.

Reminder: If your products were previously tested per ASTM F963-17, it is recommended to conduct re-evaluation under ASTM F963-23 as soon as possible to maintain compliance.

Specific Test Items for US Toy Testing

Physical & Mechanical Performance testing

Flammability Performance Testing

• Test Standard: 16 CFR 1500.44

• Test Method: Fix samples at a 45° angle and apply standard flame to the bottom end for a specified duration.

• Pass Criterion: Horizontal burning speed ＜2.5mm/s

• Scope of Application: Plush toys, fabric toys, costume accessories, etc.

Chemical Performance Testing

US Testing Requirements for Toys of Different Materials

Plush / Stuffed Toys

• Filling Safety: Comply with special labeling and hygiene requirements for filling materials in Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Ohio.

• Surface Flammability Test: 16 CFR 1500.44, burning speed ＜2.5mm/s.

• Small Parts / Seam Strength: Ensure firm fixation of accessories such as eyes and noses.

• Filling Material Labeling: Some states require labeling of filling composition.

Plastic Toys

• Phthalates: 8P testing (focus on soft PVC components).

• Heavy Metal Migration: 8 soluble heavy metals testing.

• Small Parts: Risk assessment of easily detachable small components.

• Plasticizers: Control chemical substances that may transfer into children’s mouths.

Wooden Toys

• Surface Coating Lead: ≤90ppm (focus on colored paint).

• Formaldehyde Emission: For plywood and MDF components.

• Sharp Edges / Splinters: Surface finishing safety assessment.

• Small Parts: Firmness of spliced and decorative parts.

Electric / Electronic Toys

• Electrical Safety: 16 CFR Part 1505 (electric toy safety standard).

• Battery Safety: New battery accessibility requirements under ASTM F963-23.

• emc compliance: Comply with fcc part 15 if equipped with wireless functions.

• Temperature Rise Test: Evaluate surface temperature after prolonged use.

Water Toys

• Buoyancy Performance: Maintain positive buoyancy in water.

• Air Tightness: Air leakage test for inflatable toys.

• Rope Length Control: Prevent entanglement and suffocation hazards.

US Market Compliance Requirements for Amazon / Temu and Other E-Commerce Platforms

For toy sales on Amazon US, Temu, Walmart and other platforms, compliance with federal regulations alone is insufficient; additional rules apply:

 Special CPC Certificate Requirements

• Must include unique product identifiers such as ASIN or model number.

• Must list full name, address and phone number of the US importer or manufacturer.

• Must state name, address and recognition number of the CPSC-registered laboratory.

• Must list every applicable CPSC regulation (e.g., ASTM F963-23, 16 CFR Part 1303).

Labeling Requirements

• Tracking Label: Mark manufacturer/importer info, production location, manufacture date and batch number on products and packaging.

• Age Grading Label: Clearly indicate applicable age (e.g., Ages 3+).

• Small Parts Warning: Mark "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—SMALL PARTS. NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS." if small parts are included.

• Suffocation Hazard Warning: Mandatory labeling for products containing small balls, balloons and similar items.

6.3 Common Platform Audit Failures

• CPC certificate not matched with ASIN.

• Laboratory without CPSC recognition qualification.

• Missing applicable regulatory clauses on the certificate.

• Inconsistency between product images and certificate description.

JJR LAB can assist clients in issuing test reports and CPC certificate templates that meet e-commerce platform audit standards.

Special Regulatory Requirements of US States

In addition to federal regulations, some states impose extra restrictions on toys:

Washington State CSPA (Children's Safe Products Act)

• Mandates children’s product manufacturers to report High Concern Chemicals (CHCCs) used in products to the state Department of Ecology.

• Covers 66 restricted chemicals including phthalates, BPA, flame retardants, etc.

California Proposition 65

• Requires warning labeling for chemicals known by California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

• Common Prop 65 substances in toys: Lead, phthalates, cadmium, etc.

Label Rules for Stuffed Toys in Pennsylvania / Minnesota / Ohio

• Mandatory labeling of filling material type and percentage.

• Permanent non-removable labels required in some states.

• Separate labeling for new and recycled filling materials.

Application Process for US Toy Testing & CPC Certification

JJR LAB provides one-stop US toy testing and CPC certification support services with the standard process below:

Plain Text

Step 1: Confirm Applicable Standards

    ↓ Confirm test items based on product material, function and age group

Step 2: Send Test Samples

    ↓ Provide brand-new, complete and representative samples

Step 3: Laboratory Testing

    ↓ JJR LAB conducts tests per ASTM F963, CPSIA and other standards

Step 4: Issue Test Report

    ↓ CPSC-recognized test report issued upon passing

Step 5: Issue CPC Certificate

    ↓ JJR LAB assists clients in drafting official CPC documents

Step 6: Market Launch

    ↓ Attach required labels for export or online listing

Service Cycle: Standard testing takes 5-7 working days (excluding sample delivery time).

Sample Requirements & Notes for Toy Testing

Important Notes:

• Products with multiple color or material combinations may require separate testing for each version.

• Electric toys shall be provided with batteries (if applicable) and chargers.

• Products with multiple functional modes shall be tested under all working modes.

Common Non-Conformities & Rectification Suggestions

Based on JJR LAB’s long-term testing experience, the most frequent non-conformities in US toy testing are summarized below:

Why Choose a CPSC-Recognized Third-Party Laboratory?

Per US CPSC regulations, third-party testing for all children’s products (including toys) intended for ages 12 and under must be performed by a CPSC-recognized laboratory; otherwise, test reports will not be accepted.

Advantages of Choosing JJR LAB

• CPSC Recognized Laboratory — Reports accepted by US Customs and major e-commerce platforms

• CNAS & CMA Qualifications — Authorized domestic credentials with global report mutual recognition

• UKAS Accreditation — Royal UKAS recognition, meeting EU and Commonwealth market requirements

• Full-item astm f963-23 testing Capability — Covering physical, chemical, flammability and battery safety tests

• CPC Certification Assistance — Provide CPC templates compliant with CPSC and platform audit rules

• Fast Turnaround — Standard reports issued within 5-7 working days

FAQ on US Toy Testing

How much does US toy testing cost?

Testing fees depend on product material, functional complexity and test item scope. Basic ASTM F963 + CPSIA packages for regular plastic toys start from several thousand RMB. Contact JJR LAB for an exact quotation.

What is the validity period of a CPC certificate?

A CPC certificate has no fixed expiry date. Retesting and certificate update are required if product design, materials, production processes or applicable regulations change, or if CPSC releases new standards.

Can goods be exported to the US without a CPC certificate?

No. Per CPSIA rules, all children’s products must be accompanied by a CPC certificate. US Customs may inspect CPC documents, and missing certificates may lead to cargo detention or return.

Can EU en71 certification replace US ASTM F963?

No. EN71 is the EU toy safety standard, while ASTM F963 applies to the US. They differ significantly in test methods and limit values. US-bound toys must follow ASTM F963 and CPSIA requirements.

How long shall test reports and CPC certificates be retained?

CPSIA mandates manufacturers or importers to keep test reports and CPC certificates for at least 5 years for CPSC inspection.

Are JJR LAB test reports accepted by Amazon?

Yes. As a CPSC-recognized laboratory, JJR LAB’s report numbers are verifiable on the official CPSC website, fully meeting Amazon US requirements for CPC certificates and test reports.