What tests do children's toys need to sell in the US?

Children's toys need lead testing, testing for eight phthalates and the applicable ASTM F963 tests. The F963 provisions include coating heavy metals, magnets and batteries (16 CFR 1250). Small parts, sharp points or edges, torque and tension also need attention (16 CFR 1500).

Which certificate you need

You need a Children's Product Certificate and a CPSC-accepted lab report. Your US importer is responsible for issuing the children's toy certificate before entry, and a CPC from the factory doesn't count (16 CFR 1110.7).

From July 8, 2026, each shipment needs the certificate data filed electronically by the importer in ACE at the time of entry filing, without a shipment-value threshold (16 CFR 1110.13).

The lab must be CPSC-accepted for the provisions it tests. Check its scope in the directory, verify the report number with that lab, and have a report for every model and color of the toy (CPSC lab search).

Which tests apply

Each of the eight phthalates has a limit of 0.1% (16 CFR 1307). Where a toy has paint or a similar surface coating, the lead limit is 90 ppm. That means 0.009% of the dry paint film or total nonvolatile weight (16 CFR 1303).

A small ball for children under three is prohibited if it passes completely through the specified rigid circular opening under its own weight in any orientation. That opening is 1.75 inches, or 44.4 mm, across and a quarter inch, or 6 mm, thick; the provision gives the definitions and exclusions (16 CFR 1500.18).

Water bead toys have an additional rule in 1250.4 that took effect on March 12, 2026 (16 CFR 1250.4). The small-parts rule applies below age three unless an exclusion applies (16 CFR 1501). Sharp-point and sharp-edge provisions apply below age eight, within their scope and subject to exemptions (16 CFR 1500).

What goes on the label

Include the tracking label and age marking for your children's toy. The label requirements also include small-parts warnings; the physical small-parts rules have their own age and exclusion conditions (16 CFR 1500).