Changes in ASTM F963-17 Toy Safety Standard
On August 24, 2017, a new version of toys safety standard, ASTM F963-17, was published. On September 1, 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was notified by ASTM of the updated standard publication.
Revision summary is listed below:
According to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), the updated standard will be enforced and become mandatory 180 days after ASTM has notified the Consumer Product Note: The CPSC may reject the revision within 90 days.
Time line:
August 24, 2017 - Publication of ASTM F963 version 2017
Before November 30, 2017 - CPSC will make decision on the adoption of the updated standard
February 28, 2018 - The standard will become mandatory if it is adopted by CPSC.
The following requirements or test methods are amended:
Section: 3.1.20
Requirement: Terminology
Amendment Summary: Modified definition of “Cosmetics” to clarify that cosmetics applied to toys are not subject to FDCA labeling requirements.
Removed definition: “Driving Mechanism”, since this word does not appear in current version
Section: 4.3.6.1
Requirement: Microbiological Safety
Amendment Summary: Specified bacteriological standard to be used for process water:
• USP 35(1231); and
• EPA 40 CFR 141.63
Section: 4.21
Requirement: Projectile Toys
Amendment Summary: New Exemption to Kinetic Energy Density (KED) requirements for Projectiles having kinetic energy less than 0.08 J (when tested)
Section: 4.25
Requirement: Test Method for Toys which Produce Noise
Amendment Summary: Clarified that PTC resistors are “not” short circuited.
- Clarified that “floor and tabletop” toys that move do not include push/pull toys