What Does ASTM F963 Mean

ASTM F963 is a toy safety standard developed by ASTM International, fully named Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety. This standard stipulates safety requirements, test methods and labeling specifications for children’s toys for users under 14 years old, and it is the core technical standard for toy products in the US market.

Important Distinction: ASTM F963 itself is an industry standard, while the CPSIA mandates that all children’s toys sold in the United States must comply with this standard. Violators will face product recalls, fines and even legal liabilities.

Scope of Application & Exempted Products

Scope of Application

ASTM F963 applies to all toy products designed or primarily intended for children under 14 years old, including but not limited to:

• Plastic toys, plush toys, wooden toys

• Battery-operated toys, electronic toys

• Projectile toys, sound-producing toys

• Battery-containing toys, expandable material toys

• Children’s jewelry, replica weapons

Clear List of Exempted Products

The following products are not regulated by ASTM F963 but may be governed by other regulations:

Relationship Between ASTM F963 and CPSIA

This is the most confusing issue for importers and manufacturers. The two standards are complementary rather than substitutive.

Core Differences

How the Two Work Together

Process for products entering the US market:
Step 1: Complete full testing per ASTM F963
Step 2: Ensure compliance with CPSIA lead/phthalate limits
Step 3: Obtain test report issued by a CPSC-recognized laboratory (JJR LAB)
Step 4: Apply for CPC Children’s Product Certificate based on the test report

ASTM F963-23 Updates

On April 20, 2024, ASTM F963-23 officially became the mandatory toy safety standard in the United States. The following updates are critical compared with the previous version:

Strengthened Battery Safety (Major Update)

Background: CPSC data shows that between 2011 and 2021, button battery ingestion caused 23 child deaths in the United States. The battery safety requirements of ASTM F963-23 form dual protection with Reese's Law (Federal Button Battery Safety Act) effective in 2024.

Refined Sound Limit for Sound-Producing Toys

Other Key Updates

• Expandable Materials: New test requirements to prevent suffocation caused by material expansion inside the human body

• Projectile Toys: Updated kinetic energy limits to enhance eye injury protection

• Heavy Metal Testing: Retains limits for 8 soluble heavy metals with optimized test methods

• Microbial Safety: New microbial requirements for liquid/gel toys

Five Major Test Categories

ASTM F963-23 covers five categories of tests to ensure toys meet safety requirements in physical, chemical, electrical, flammability and labeling aspects.

Physical & Mechanical Performance testing

Purpose: Prevent mechanical injuries such as suffocation, cuts and pinching

Chemical Performance Testing

Purpose: Restrict migration of hazardous substances and protect children’s health

Limit Values of 8 Soluble Heavy Metals (Unit: ppm):

Total Lead in Substrate: CPSIA mandates total lead ≤100 ppm (0.01%) in substrate and ≤90 ppm (0.009%) in surface coating.

Electrical Performance Testing

Flammability Testing

Label & Warning Requirements

Quick Reference Table for Specific Limit Values

General Chemical Limit Table

General Physical/Mechanical Limit Table

ASTM F963 vs EN71: US vs EU Standard Comparison

A common question for cross-border sellers: Can products with EN71 testing directly enter the US market?

Answer: No. There are key differences, and separate testing is mandatory.

Key Differences Summary:

1. Heavy Metals: EN71 tests 19 elements while ASTM F963 tests only 8; EN71 generally has stricter limits.

2. Sound Pressure Test: ASTM F963 limits near-ear toys to ≤65 dB; EN71 allows ≤80 dB (more lenient).

3. Battery Rules: ASTM F963-23 adds strict tool-opening requirements, differing technically from EN71-1:2014+A1:2018.

4. Flammability: Different test flame sources and judgment criteria; mutual recognition not allowed.

CPC Certification & Compliance Practical Guide

After completing ASTM F963 testing, CPC certification is required for legal sales in the US.

What Is a CPC Certificate?

CPC (Children's Product Certificate) is a compliance document required under CPSIA Section 102. It is not a test report, but a declaration of conformity based on test reports.

Mandatory Elements of a CPC Certificate

1. Product Identification: Detailed product name, model, color and description

2. Applicable Regulations: List all applicable CPSC regulations (e.g., ASTM F963-23, 16 CFR Part 1303)

3. Importer/Manufacturer Information: Name, address, contact number

4. Production Date & Location: At least month and city specified

5. Test Date & Location: Completion date of testing and laboratory address

6. Third-Party Laboratory Information: Name, address and recognition number of CPSC-recognized lab

7. Signatory Information: Name, position and signature of personnel maintaining test records

Five-Step Compliance Process

Step 1: Product Classification Confirmation

Confirm the product is defined as a children’s toy (under 14) and not exempted

Step 2: Select Laboratory

Choose ISO 17025 laboratory with CPSC recognition (JJR LAB)

Step 3: Sample Submission & Testing

Complete full astm f963-23 testing (physical/chemical/electrical/flammability/labeling)

Step 4: Obtain Test Report

Receive official lab test report (7–15 working days normally)

Step 5: Issue CPC Certificate

Compile CPC based on test report and provide to US importers/retailers with shipments

Tracking Label Requirements

Under CPSIA Section 103, all children’s products must be permanently marked on the product and packaging with:

• Manufacturer/Importer Name

• Production Location (city, country)

• Production Date (at least month specified)

• Batch/Lot Number (or other identification codes)

Common Non-Compliance: Many sellers omit tracking label information in CPC certificates or use non-permanent adhesive labels, leading to listing removal on Amazon/Walmart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does ASTM F963 compliance mean the toy is completely non-toxic?

Not entirely. ASTM F963 and CPSIA only regulate the specified 8 heavy metals and 8 phthalates. They do not cover:

• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

• Formaldehyde

• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

• Pesticide residues

• Other unlisted chemical substances

For comprehensive chemical safety certification, additional assessments are recommended:

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (textile harmful substance testing)

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

• GREENGUARD (indoor air quality certification)

Must all toys comply with ASTM F963?

Yes, with exemptions. All products designed or primarily intended for children under 14 must comply. Exempted products include:

• Bicycles, tricycles, non-powered scooters

• Slingshots, darts, non-powder guns

• Playground equipment, kites

• Non-toy handicrafts, art materials (regulated by astm d4236)

• Constant-pressure inflatable products

Can CE-marked toys be sold directly in the US?

No. CE marking follows the EU Toy Safety Directive (EN71 standard), with critical differences from ASTM F963:

• Different scope of heavy metal testing (19 elements for EN71 vs 8 for ASTM F963)

• Different battery safety testing protocols

• Different small parts test methods

• Different certificate types (DoC for CE, CPC for the US)

Products entering the US market must complete separate ASTM F963 testing and obtain a CPC certificate.

What is the approximate cost and lead time for ASTM F963 testing?

Cost: Depending on product complexity and test items, the full ASTM F963 test fee generally ranges from 598$.

• Simple plastic toys: approx. 388$

• Electronic/battery-containing toys: approx. 698$

• Complex toys with multiple materials/coatings: approx. 889$

Lead Time: Normally 7–15 working days; expedited service available in 5–7 working days.

Cost-Saving Tip: For products using identical materials from the same supplier, series certification is applicable to reduce duplicate testing fees.

Are previous test reports still valid after ASTM F963-23 took effect?

No longer valid. Since April 20, 2024, the CPSC mandates all children’s toys to comply with ASTM F963-23. Previous astm f963-17 reports are no longer accepted for CPC issuance. Retesting per the -23 version is mandatory.

What special requirements do Amazon/Walmart have for ASTM F963?

Major e-commerce platform requirements:

• CPC certificate mandatory (test reports alone are not acceptable)

• Report must be issued by a CPSC-recognized laboratory (with lab recognition number)

• Age warning must be displayed on product detail pages

• Tracking label must be permanently fixed on products

Amazon may request CPC documents at any time; failure to provide will result in listing removal.