Standards group updates toy safety requirements

Today ASTM-International published a major update of its toy safety standard ASTM F-963. The improved standard addresses hazards associated with small magnets that can cause serious internal injuries if multiples are ingested; toy noise that can cause hearing loss; yo-yo balls that can cause strangulation; and impaction hazards that can cause choking. As active members on the ASTM's subcommittee on toy safety, we pushed for many of the improvements in this new safety standard.

Until now, compliance with the ASTM toy safety standard was voluntary. That changed last week—under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act any toy brought to market after February 10  must meet the requirements of the former standards. In six months,  the new version of the standards will likewise become mandatory.

We think this marks a milestone in toy safety. Provided there is universal compliance by manufacturers, parents can have renewed confidence in the safety of the toys they buy for their children in the future.