Toy Testing Lab in China
Toy testing is the scientific process of evaluating toys for safety, durability, and compliance with national and international standards. It includes a broad range of assessments, from physical and mechanical testing to flammability, chemical composition, and electrical safety (for electronic toys).
In simpler terms, toy testing ensures that when a child interacts with a product, pulls it, chews it, throws it, or cuddles it, it won’t break in harmful ways or contain dangerous substances.
Mandatory vs. Voluntary Toy Testing
While some toy tests are legally required to enter certain markets (e.g., ASTM F963 in the USA or EN 71 in the EU), others may be voluntary but highly recommended.
For example:
- A toy may not legally need flammability testing in a given market, but without it, retailers might refuse to stock it.
- Amazon often mandates Children’s Product Certificates (CPC) or equivalent third-party test reports even when local authorities don’t.
The distinction between mandatory and voluntary testing depends on your target market, the toy’s design, materials used, and intended age group.
Who Needs Toy Testing?
Toy testing isn’t just for toy manufacturers—it’s for anyone involved in the toy supply chain. This includes:
- Manufacturers: To ensure product safety before mass production
- Exporters and importers: To meet cross-border regulatory demands
- Retail brands: To protect brand reputation and reduce legal risk
- Amazon/eCommerce sellers: To meet platform-specific safety documentation requirements
In short, if you’re putting a toy into the hands of children—you need toy testing.
Categories of Toys and Their Risk Profiles
Not all toys are created equal—and neither are the risks they carry. The safety challenges associated with a plush teddy bear are vastly different from those of an electronic drone or wooden puzzle. That’s why toy testing must consider a toy’s material, function, and intended use, each of which influences the types of hazards and regulatory concerns involved.
Understanding these risk profiles is the first step toward comprehensive compliance and effective product development.
By Material: Plush, Plastic, Wooden, and Metal Toys
Each toy material carries distinct safety risks that determine the type of testing required.
- Plush Toys
Soft and cuddly on the outside, plush toys can still present hidden dangers:
- Choking hazards from detachable parts (buttons, eyes, decorative trims)
- Flammability concerns, particularly with synthetic fibers
- Fiber shedding that may cause respiratory issues
- Hygiene issues if the toy retains moisture or isn’t washable
- Plastic Toys
Plastic is one of the most common toy materials, but it’s also associated with several high-risk concerns:
- Toxic substances such as phthalates, lead, and BPA
- Sharp edges from poorly molded or broken parts
- Small parts that can become choking hazards
- Environmental degradation leading to brittleness
- Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are often marketed as “natural” and “safe,” but they come with their own challenges:
- Splintering risk from poor surface finishing
- Toxic coatings or lacquers
- Formaldehyde emissions from adhesives
- Metal Toys
Though less common today, metal toys—especially vintage or collectible models—carry specific hazards:
- Lead contamination in coatings
- Rust or corrosion
- Sharp points or edges
- High electrical conductivity in powered versions
By Function: Electric, Light/Sound, Projectile, and Water Toys
A toy’s mechanism of play significantly alters its risk profile and determines the complexity of testing.
- Electric Toys
Battery-operated or plug-in toys are subjected to strict scrutiny:
- Shock hazard
- Short-circuiting and overheating
- Battery leakage or explosion
- Sound and Light Toys
These interactive toys stimulate senses but may damage them if not well-designed:
- Hearing loss risk from high decibel outputs
- Photosensitivity or eye strain from flashing lights
3. Projectile Toys
Toys that launch objects are always on regulatory watch:
- Eye injury risks
- Uncontrolled projectile velocity
- Choking from removable tips
4. Water Toys
From bath toys to inflatable pools, water-related products require specific diligence:
- Mold or bacteria accumulation
- Slipping risks
- Leakage or drowning hazards
By Use: Educational, Dress-Up, Sports, and STEM/Science Toys
The way a toy is intended to be used adds another layer to its risk profile.
- Educational Toys
Often targeted at toddlers and young learners, educational toys must account for:
- Mouthing behavior
- Small detachable elements
- Toxic inks or coatings
- Dress-Up Toys
This category often includes accessories like plastic jewelry, masks, capes, and makeup kits:
- Allergen risk from face paints or glues
- Entanglement hazard from long strings or capes
- Sharp components in accessories
- Sports Toys
Bikes, skateboards, jump ropes, and foam balls may look safe, but improper design can lead to serious injuries:
- Impact injuries
- Loss of balance or grip
- Joint stress for younger users
- STEM and Science Kits
These often contain chemicals, small parts, or even electric circuits:
- Ingestion or inhalation risks
- Misuse of experimental components
- Inadequate adult supervision requirements
Specific Risks Associated With Toy Categories
To simplify the landscape, here’s a quick-reference table of common risks and where they apply:
| Toy Type | Common Risks | Essential Testing |
| Plush Toys | Flammability, choking hazards | EN 71-2, mechanical safety |
| Plastic Toys | Toxic chemicals, breakage | Phthalate/lead testing, small parts check |
| Electric Toys | Overheating, shock | IEC 62115, battery compartment safety |
| Sound/Light Toys | Hearing/vision damage | Sound level & flicker analysis |
| Projectile Toys | Eye injury, choking | Projectile force & impact test |
| Water Toys | Mold, drowning risk | Seal integrity, leach testing |
| Dress-Up Toys | Allergy, entanglement | Cosmetic safety, string length test |
| STEM Kits | Chemical exposure | Chemistry content and labeling |
Key Toy Testing Regulations Worldwide
Toy safety is a global concern, and failing to meet a region’s requirements can result in denied market access, product recalls, or even litigation. That’s why it’s essential for manufacturers, brands, and distributors to understand the specific toy safety standards and certifications enforced in their target markets.
At ECQA, our lab in Shanghai is equipped to test and certify toys against multiple international standards, ensuring smooth market entry and full regulatory compliance.
1. United States
The U.S. toy safety landscape is governed by several federal and voluntary standards, with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) playing a central enforcement role.
Key Standards & Regulations:
- ASTM F963: The primary safety standard for toys sold in the U.S. Covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical content, and electrical safety.
- CPSC Rules: Regulatory authority under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
- Children’s Product Certificate (CPC): Mandatory for children’s toys; must cite each applicable rule.
- FCC Compliance: Required for toys that emit radiofrequency (e.g., walkie-talkies, drones).
2. European Union
The EU enforces some of the world’s most comprehensive toy safety regulations, all under the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
Key Standards:
- EN 71 Series: Covers physical properties, flammability, chemical content, migration of heavy metals, etc.
- EN IEC 62115: Applies to electrical toys, addressing shock, short circuit, and other hazards.
- EMC Directive: Toys with electronic functions must comply with Electromagnetic Compatibility rules.
3. United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK now enforces its own set of toy safety rules, closely aligned with EU standards but featuring UK-specific markings and authorities.
Key Standards:
- BS EN 71 Series (identical to EN 71)
- EN IEC 62115 for electric toys
4. Australia and New Zealand
Toys in these markets must comply with AS/NZS standards, many of which are harmonized with ISO and EN standards but with region-specific amendments.
Key Standards:
- AS/NZS ISO 8124 Series: Similar to ISO 8124, covering safety aspects of mechanical, chemical, and labelling
- AS/NZS 62115: Applicable to electrical toys
5. Canada
Canada has a stringent regulatory system for toy safety under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), enforced by Health Canada.
Key Standards:
- SOR/2011: Mechanical and physical hazards
6. China
China’s domestic toy market is governed by a robust set of national standards, with specific rules about mandatory certification via the CCC mark for certain toy types.
Key Standards:
- GB 6675 Series: General safety and testing requirements for toys
- GB 19865: Focused on electrical toys
- CCC (China Compulsory Certification): Applies to toys like electric ride-ons, sound/light toys, and certain plush toys
Note: Not all toys require CCC certification. It’s critical to determine whether your product category falls under the mandate before entering the Chinese market.
7. Other Markets
Japan
- ST 2016: Japan’s toy safety standard issued by the Japan Toy Association
Brazil
- ABNT NBR NM 300 Series: Mirrors ISO 8124 with local adaptations
India
- IS 9873 and IS 15644: BIS-mandated standards for all toys
Indonesia
- SNI ISO 8124 and SNI IEC 62115
Thailand
- TIS 685 standard enforced by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)
MERCOSUR Countries (e.g., Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay)
- Standards: NM 300 series (equivalent to EU EN 71)
ECQA Shanghai testing lab provides toy testing services tailored to meet various international regulatory requirements based on our clients’ target markets. Our standard testing and certification capabilities cover key global regions, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and China.
We offer comprehensive toy testing and certification services across international markets. Our laboratory holds accreditations from major regulatory bodies, including CNAS, CMA, CPSC, UKAS, and HKLAS. From toy product design and raw material evaluation to the physical and mechanical safety of finished toys, flammability, heavy metals, and more, ECQA delivers a full spectrum of risk assessment, testing, certification, and technical support solutions you can rely on.
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