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

European Commission Sets New Limits for Phenol in Toys:

Children are sensitive to harmful substances but not all products that our little ones come into contact with are free of chemicals posing a health hazard. Phenol for example: The colorless, crystalline substance is used by industry particularly for the manufacture of plastics.  It can occur in PVC, resin bonded wood or be used as a preservative in liquid toy materials such as: soap bubble liquids and water-based inks.  It is highly toxic, causes damage to organs and is suspected of being germ cell mutagenized.
 
To protect children the European Commission has amended the Toy Directive 2009/48/EC and set new limits for the use of phenol in toys.

According to Annex II Appendix C of the Directive, the following limits will apply in the future:

• 5 mg/l (migration limit) in polymeric materials in accordance with the methods as per EN 71-10:2005 and EN 71-11:2005
• 10 mg/kg (content limit) as a preservative based on the methods as per EN 71-10:2005 and EN 71-11:2005

The limits must be applied as of November 4, 2018.

Answers to FAQ about Quality Assurance:

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CPTS will assist you in creating a quality assurance system to make sure that your products comply with the most stringent quality standards and market specific regulatory requirements. We will make sure you follow a Reasonable Testing Program and have proper checks and balances to help you commit to high standards of compliance processes that ensure safe and compliant product.

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