US and International Toy Safety Standards

Toy Safety TestingAll toys sold in the U.S., regardless of where they are made, must be tested to verify compliance with rigorous U.S. toy safety requirements.  These standards are shaped by a variety of considerations, including research on child development, dynamic safety testing, and risk analysis.

Development & Oversight

TIA’s Safety Standards and Technical Committee monitors activity on issues related to product safety, standards, testing and quality assurance issues that affect the toy industry. The Committee helps formulate the Association’s policies and positions relating to such matters to advocate on behalf of all segments of the toy industry.

The ASTM F963 toy safety standard is under continual review by the F15.22 Subcommittee on Toy Safety. ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development and review of its standards; those interested in participating in the review of ASTM F963 may visit the ASTM website for information on membership.

International

International Standards for Toys & Children's Products are maintained by TIA in its role as Secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI).

The International Standard for toy safety is ISO 8124:

  • ISO 8124-1:2009 – Safety of Toys Part 1: Safety Aspects of Mechanical and Physical Properties
  • ISO 8124-2:2007 – Flammability
  • ISO 8124-3:1997 – Migration of Certain Elements
  • ISO 8098:1989 – Cycles: Safety Requirements for Bicycles for Young Children

The standard is available in English from the International Standardization Organization. 

Additional information about other foreign standards can be found on the International Standards page of the ICTI website. Where available, contact information to obtain the referenced document(s) is indicated.

U.S. Domestic

United States toy safety standards and regulations are among the most stringent in the world and provide the model for many of the rules in other countries. 

Toy Safety Standard

Where to Get a Copy
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) CPSIA Legislation
HR 2715
For additional information on compliance see the CPSC’s CPSIA information page.
Code of Federal Regulations; Key Sections of Commercial Practices 16, Part 1000 to End U.S. Government Printing Office
ASTM F963-11 Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety ASTM
CPSC Guidance on applicable requirements of ASTM F963-2011 CPSC
ASTM F834-84 (2008) Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Chests ASTM
ASTM F1148-09 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment ASTM
ANSI Z315.1-2012 American National Tricycles- Safety Requirements ANSI
Title 15 -Commerce and Foreign Trade Chapter XI - Technology Administration, Department of Commerce
Marking of Toy, Look-alike and Imitation Firearms		 U.S. Government Printing Office
ANSI/UL 696, Ninth Edition Standard Electric Toys ANSI
ASTM F1313-90 (2005) Standard Specification for Volatile N-Nitrosamine Levels in Rubber ASTM
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Rattles CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Pacifiers CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Labeling Requirements for Art Materials Presenting CPSC
U.S. Child Safety Protection Act, Small Parts Hazard Warning Rule and Rules for Reporting Choking CPSC
Summary of States' Toxics in TIA Members Only
State of New Jersey Yo Yo Available here
Age Determination Guidelines: Relating Children's Ages to Toy Characteristics and Play CPSC
Revised Summary of States' Stuffed Toy Licensing and Labeling Laws Available here
Regulatory Requirements for Registration of Certain Toys, Games and Art Materials under the Texas Hazardous Substances Act. Available here
NOTE: Laser and Laser Pointers are subject to a variety of restrictions by state law and raise Regulations & Information: