Tech Watch: CPSC Approves Revised ASTM F963-23 as a Mandatory Toy Standard
On 18 January 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published in the Federal Register a direct final rule to approve the revised ASTM F963-23 as the mandatory toy safety standard.
The direct final rule incorporates by reference ASTM F963-23 and updates the existing notice of requirements (NOR) that provide the criteria and process for the CPSC’s acceptance of accreditation of third-party conformity assessment bodies for testing toys to ASTM F963-23.
Technical requirements for the following toy safety requirements were revised:
- Battery-operated toys
- Expanding materials
- Sound producing toys (acoustics)
- Projectile toys
The standard was also revised to align with the CPSC requirements for phthalate content, heavy elements (metals) – toy substrate material exemptions, and CPSIA Section 103 tracking labels for children’s products.
The rule is effective on 20 April 2024, unless the CPSC receives a significant adverse comment by 20 February 2024.
Toys manufactured on and after 20 April 2024 will require testing to ASTM F963-23 at a CPSC accepted third-party lab for certification.
Sources:
- Direct final rule
- Revised ASTM F963-23 can be purchased from ASTM International
Enquiry:
For questions and additional information, please contact Dr Pratik Ichhaporia (pratikichhaporia@eurofinsus.com,+1-669-837-2257) or David Hong (David.Hong@cpt.eurofinscn.com).