US Toy Standard ASTM F963-17 Published

On August 24, 2017, an updated version of the US Toy Safety Standard, ASTM F963-17, was issued only four month after ASTM F963-16 has come into force under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). If accepted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the revised version will become mandatory within 180 days of publication according to CPSIA. The expected date for ASTM F963-17 going effective is February 28, 2018. Among the revisions, most are editorial related while others are clarification of requirements as highlighted below: Section 3.1.20 Cosmetics: It clarified that cosmetics (e.g. eye shadow, lip gloss) intended to be applied to a toy are not subject to the Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) labeling requirements. Section 4.21.2.3 for Projectile Toys: ASTM F963-16 requires Kinetic Energy Density (KED) test to be performed on all projectiles regardless of its kinetic energy level. In ASTM F963-17, the KED test is only applicable to projectiles and arrows that have a kinetic energy exceeding 0.08J. Section 8.20.1.5(5) for Toy Operations under Tests for Toys Which Produce Noise: The test requirements for floor and tabletop toys that move are not applicable to push/pull toys. Before official announcement of adopting ASTM F963-17 is made by the CPSC, toys selling to the US market shall continue to comply with the requirements of the current safety standard, ASTM F963-16.

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