US CPSC Introduces Mandatory Safety Requirements for Water Bead Toys

Published: December 2025
Effective Date: 12 March 2026
Regulation: 16 CFR Part 1250 – Safety Standard for Toys (Water Beads)

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved new mandatory safety requirements for water bead toys and toys containing water beads under the U.S. Safety Standard for Toys.

Water beads are small, superabsorbent polymer beads that expand significantly when exposed to water. The CPSC introduced product-specific requirements following safety assessments linked to ingestion, aspiration, insertion, and choking hazards involving young children.

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Scope

The requirements apply to:

• Water bead toys
  
• Toys containing loose or enclosed water beads
  
• Packaging and containers supplied with water beads

Regulatory Focus

The new provisions address:

• Expansion behavior of water beads after hydration
  
• Chemical safety limits related to acrylamide content
  
• Mandatory warning labels on products, packaging, and instructions
  
• Instructional requirements intended to inform caregivers of associated risks

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Regulatory Impact

From the effective date, water bead toys placed on the U.S. market must comply with the applicable requirements of 16 CFR Part 1250. Products manufactured or imported after this date that do not meet the standard may be subject to enforcement action.