The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published a revised toy safety standard, ASTM F963-23, on October 13, 2023. The new standard reflects the latest scientific and technical developments in the field of toy safety and incorporates several changes and updates from the previous version, ASTM F963-17.
ASTM F963-23 covers the safety requirements and test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age. It addresses various potential hazards, such as mechanical, electrical, chemical, flammability, and sound, that may arise from the normal use and reasonably foreseeable abuse of toys.
Some of the key revisions and updates in ASTM F963-23 include:
Batteries - Based on Reese’s law (2022), “tool” was replaced by “common household tool” for opening battery compartments. Toys for older children (over 96 months) now have safety requirements. Battery doors must have fasteners. Manufacturers can use their own mechanisms to secure battery compartments.
Expanding materials – When the initial requirement was added in 2016, the thought was that items that are small enough to be choking hazards that expand could enlarge and become possible intestinal blockages if swallowed. Since the original requirement came into effect, items that are not small parts but also create the same hazard were identified. The revision addresses these items.
Labeling materials – A current federal labeling requirement is added to the standard.
Drop test – The referenced document for tiles to be used was updated, so this revision replaces the Federal Specification SS-T-312B (which has been withdrawn) with ASTM F1006-04.
Projectiles – A note regarding the conditions in which the equipment is to be stored was removed. This is because there are no storage conditions for other testing performed in ASTM F963. Similarly, ISO 8124 and EN71 do not include these storage requirements. No effect is anticipated for test results deleting the note.
Bow and arrow testing - The testing procedure was improved. The bowstring stretch limit was set to measure the arrow speed accurately.
ASTM F963-23 has been notified to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on October 23, 2023, as required by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). The CPSIA mandates that ASTM F963 becomes a mandatory toy safety standard 180 days after the notification, unless the CPSC rejects the revisions within 90 days. Therefore, ASTM F963-23 is expected to become effective on April 20, 2024, unless otherwise specified by the CPSC.
The new standard aims to enhance the safety and quality of toys sold in the U.S. market and to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and best practices. Toy manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers are advised to familiarize themselves with the changes and updates in ASTM F963-23 and to prepare for the transition accordingly.
Please contact Great Safe Testing Specialist for further information.
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