CPSC Amends Safety Standard for Toys to Adopt Updated Industry Standard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is updating its safety standard for toys to incorporate the latest ASTM industry standard, it said in a direct final rule (here). The revised standard, ASTM F963-16, “contains clarifications, corrections, and new requirements that will increase safety, reduce testing burden, or enhance clarity and utility of the standard,” CPSC said. It also aligns more closely with European toy safety standards, the commission said. Among other changes, toy chests are added to the standard, and labeling requirements are updated for battery-operated and magnetic toys. New requirements are also set for ride-on toys, and various test procedures are amended. Though the standard was already mandatory, CPSC’s direct final rule adopts the revised standard in its regulations. The direct final rule takes effect April 30, 2017, unless the commission receives adverse comment by March 6.

(Federal Register 02/02/17)