What Does "ASTM F963-17 Certified" Mean?

What is astm f963-17?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops and publishes international standards for product testing, including ASTM F963-17. ASTM standards may also include labeling, warnings, and other guidelines. Generally, compliance with its established standards is voluntary.

However, certain U.S. regulations have incorporated these standards—for example, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (cpsia) incorporates ASTM F963-17, the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety, by reference. This makes the standard a mandatory requirement for toys and other children’s products manufactured, imported, or sold in the United States.

The standard covers requirements for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age, even though under CPSIA it is only mandatory for products intended for children under 12 years of age. These requirements include mechanical properties, electrical safety, warning labels, and more.

Which Products Must Comply with ASTM F963-17?

ASTM F963-17 covers children’s toys and certain types of childcare articles. Below are some examples:

①　Squeeze toys

②　Projectile toys

③　Plush and bean bag toys

④　Wheeled ride-on toys

⑤　Elastic tethered toys

⑥　Magnets

⑦　Marbles

⑧　Pacifiers

⑨　Rattles

⑩　Pompoms

Certification Requirements for Selling Fidget Spinner Toys on Amazon

Certification must be completed in accordance with regulatory requirements of the target market. The certification requirements for major markets are as follows:

1. U.S. Market (Amazon U.S. Store)

①　ASTM F963-17: The U.S. toy safety standard, covering mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and heavy metal content (lead, cadmium, etc.).

②　CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act):

A Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) must be provided to demonstrate compliance with ASTM F963 and lead content limits (≤ 100 ppm).

Products must bear a traceability label (permanent marking: manufacturer information, production date, batch number, etc.).

③　fcc Certification (if electronic components are included): Ensures electromagnetic compatibility to prevent interference with other devices.

2. EU Market (Amazon EU Stores)

①　EN 71-1/-2/-3: Core standards under the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC), testing mechanical and physical properties, flammability, and 19 migratable heavy metals.

②　ce marking: A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) must be signed, accompanied by an EN 71 test report.

③　reach regulation: Testing for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and specific phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP, etc., with a limit of ≤ 0.1%).

④　Battery Directive (where applicable): Toys containing button batteries must comply with EN 62133.

3. UK Market (Amazon UK Store)

5. ukca Marking: Must comply with the UK Toy Safety Regulations, with standards similar to EN 71 (e.g., BS EN 71).

A UK-version DoC and test report are still required.

4. Other Notes

①　Age Warning Labels: If products contain small parts, they must be labeled “Not for children under 3 years” (U.S.) or “Warning: Choking hazard” (EU).

②　Packaging Requirements: Some countries require recyclable packaging materials or environmental labeling.

③　Amazon Audits: Amazon may require submission of test reports (e.g., ISTA 6 packaging testing).