Global Safety Standards for Baby Products

As a seller or retailer in the baby product industry, it is important to know the Global Safety Standards for Baby Products. These standards are designed to protect infants and toddlers by ensuring that every product meets strict safety and quality requirements. Understanding and complying with these regulations is not only essential for legal compliance but also for maintaining customer trust and avoiding costly recalls or liability issues.

In this article, we’ll explore the key international safety standards that apply to baby products and how they influence baby product inspections and compliance across global markets.

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ASTM and CPSIA Standards for Baby Products (United States)

In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets the foundation for regulating children’s products. It requires that all baby items meet strict safety criteria and be tested by a CPSC-accredited third-party laboratory.

Key ASTM standards include:

• ASTM F963 – Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
• ASTM F406 – Safety specification for non-full-size baby cribs
• ASTM F833 – Safety for strollers and carriages
• ASTM F1821 – Standard for toddler beds
• ASTM F404 – Standard for high chairs

CPSIA also mandates:

• Limits on lead and phthalates
• Tracking labels on children’s products
• Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) verifying third-party testing

Products that fail to meet these requirements risk recalls, fines, or worse—consumer injury.

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EN Standards for Baby Product Safety (European Union)

The European Union enforces some of the most comprehensive safety standards for children’s products. The EN (European Norm) standards require mechanical, chemical, and sometimes flammability testing to ensure safety.

Important EN standards include:

• EN 71 – Safety of toys (Learn more about how toy safety is regulated in our guide on Toy Safety Regulations and Quality Control.)
• EN 1888 – Strollers and pushchairs
• EN 1466 – Carry cots and stands
• EN 716 – Cots and folding beds
• EN 14988 – High chairs

Many baby products sold in Europe must carry the CE Mark, indicating conformity with EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards.

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ISO Standards for Baby Product Safety (Global)

For brands operating across borders, ISO standards provide a consistent and recognized framework for ensuring product safety.

Notable ISO standards include:

• ISO 8124 – Toy safety (aligned with ASTM F963 and EN 71)
• ISO 13287 – Slip resistance for baby footwear
• ISO 31110 – Safety standards for strollers and wheeled devices

Though not always legally required, ISO compliance often makes international trade smoother and enhances a brand’s credibility in global markets.

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GB Standards for Baby Products (China)

If you manufacture in or sell to China, understanding GB (Guobiao) standards is critical. These national standards have become stricter over recent years, especially for baby and children’s products.

Key GB standards include:

• GB 6675 series – Toy safety (similar to ASTM and EN 71)
• GB 14748 – Baby cribs
• GB/T 28022 – Children’s strollers
• GB 31701 – Textiles for infants and children (formaldehyde, pH levels)

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Other Regional Baby Product Safety Requirements

Different countries enforce their own child product regulations:

• Canada: Follows Health Canada’s Children’s Product Regulations
• Australia/New Zealand: Must meet AS/NZS ISO 8124 standards
• Japan: Enforces ST Mark safety standards for toys
• Middle East & Gulf Countries: Require the Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) for many baby items

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Navigating the complex landscape of global safety standards for baby products is essential for any seller, retailer, or brand involved in the industry. From ASTM and CPSIA in the U.S. to EN regulations in Europe, ISO frameworks worldwide, and GB standards in China, each region enforces its own rigorous requirements to protect the most vulnerable consumers—infants and toddlers.

Understanding these standards not only ensures legal compliance but also strengthens your brand’s reputation and builds lasting trust with customers. Whether you’re manufacturing locally or sourcing internationally, keeping up with the latest safety regulations can help you avoid costly disruptions, product recalls, and potential liability.

Ensure your baby products meet global safety expectations—because when it comes to children’s safety, there’s no room for compromise. Stay ahead by partnering with third-party inspection experts like ECQA, who offer professional support in navigating safety standards, product testing, and compliance audits. Check out our toy inspection services to learn more.