Navigating Toy Safety Testing for US & EU Exports: A Focus on Southeast Asian Manufacturers

ASTM F963: The US Requirement

ASTM F963 is the American Society for Testing and Materials' standard for toy safety, which is also a mandatory requirement for toys imported into the US.

In terms of physical and mechanical performance, ASTM F963 has similar requirements to EN71-1. It includes impact tests, where the toy is dropped from a specific height to simulate accidental falls, and the toy should not break into small, dangerous parts. For example, a plastic toy car is dropped multiple times, and if it shatters into pieces that could cause injury, it fails the impact test. The standard also covers pressure and flexure tests to ensure that toys can withstand normal handling by children without deforming or breaking in a hazardous way.

The flammability requirements in ASTM F963 are also strict. Toys are tested for horizontal flammability, and the maximum self - combustion rate along the main axis of the toy is set at less than 2.5 mm/s. This means that if a toy catches fire, it should not burn rapidly, reducing the risk of a large-scale fire incident involving children.

Chemically, ASTM F963 tests for heavy metal migration, including eight toxic elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, similar to EN71-3. Additionally, it has a specific requirement for total lead content, which is a key point of difference. The test methods for these chemical analyses are well-defined, and manufacturers must ensure that the surface coatings and materials of their toys do not exceed the allowable limits of these harmful substances.

For Southeast Asian toy manufacturers looking to enter the US market, meeting ASTM F963 is non-negotiable. Testcoo offers comprehensive ASTM F963 testing services. Our laboratories are equipped to handle all aspects of the standard, providing accurate and timely test results. We can help you identify any potential issues early in the production process, saving you time and money by avoiding costly non-compliance issues later on.

Learn more about ASTM F962 requirements.

Challenges Southeast Asian Manufacturers Face

Southeast Asian toy manufacturers encounter a plethora of challenges when striving to meet the EN71 and ASTM F963 standards.

One of the primary challenges is technological. Many manufacturers in the region may lack the advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment required to produce toys that meet the strict physical and mechanical requirements of these standards. For example, precision-molding technologies are crucial for ensuring that toy parts fit together correctly and do not break or become detached easily. However, some smaller manufacturers in Southeast Asia may still rely on older, less precise molding machines, which can lead to issues such as inconsistent part sizes. This can cause toys to fail mechanical stress tests, like the pull test for small parts in EN71-1 or the impact tests in ASTM F963.

Cost is another significant hurdle. Meeting these safety standards often requires the use of higher-quality, more expensive raw materials. For instance, to comply with the strict chemical migration limits in EN71-3 and ASTM F963, manufacturers need to source materials that are free from excessive amounts of harmful substances. These materials may be more costly compared to the cheaper, lower-quality alternatives that some manufacturers might have previously used. Additionally, the cost of in-house testing equipment and trained personnel for conducting safety tests can be prohibitive. If a manufacturer chooses to outsource testing, the fees charged by third-party testing laboratories also add to the overall production cost. As a result, the increased production costs can squeeze profit margins, especially for price-sensitive markets where Southeast Asian manufacturers often compete on cost-effectiveness.

There is also a problem of incomplete understanding of the standards. The EN71 and ASTM F963 standards are complex and constantly evolving. Some manufacturers in Southeast Asia may not have a full-fledged research and development team dedicated to keeping up with the latest changes in these standards. This lack of understanding can lead to noncompliance. For example, new regulations may be introduced regarding the labeling requirements of toys, specifying the size, font, and language of safety warnings. If a manufacturer is not aware of these changes, their products may be rejected even if they meet all other safety criteria.

Moreover, communication barriers can exacerbate these issues. In some Southeast Asian countries, English may not be the primary language, and translating the detailed and technical standards accurately can be difficult. This language barrier can lead to misinterpretations of the requirements, further increasing the risk of noncompliance. At Testcoo, we aim to address these challenges. Our team can provide in-depth training to help manufacturers better understand the EN71 and ASTM F963 standards. We also offer cost-effective testing packages, taking into account the budget constraints of Southeast Asian manufacturers. Our multilingual support ensures that communication is seamless, helping manufacturers overcome language-related obstacles in the testing and compliance process.

How TESTCOO Can Help

Our Comprehensive Testing Services

We offer a wide range of comprehensive toy safety testing services that are specifically tailored to meet the requirements of EN71 and ASTM F963 standards.

Our mechanical and physical testing procedures are designed to rigorously evaluate a toy's durability and safety under normal use and reasonable abuse conditions. We conduct drop tests, where toys are dropped from various heights to simulate accidental falls. This helps us determine if the toy will break into small, potentially dangerous parts. For example, a plastic action figure is dropped multiple times from a height that represents a typical child related drop scenario. If it fractures into small pieces that could pose a choking hazard, we flag it as a non-compliant issue.

In addition, we perform pull tests on small parts, such as buttons, eyes on plush toys, or detachable accessories. By applying a specific amount of force, we can check if these parts can be easily removed. If they can be detached with the applied force, it indicates a potential choking risk, especially for young children. Our flammability testing follows the strict guidelines set by both EN71 and ASTM F963. We use specialized equipment to expose toys to a controlled flame source and measure the rate of flame spread. This ensures that toys do not burn rapidly and pose a fire hazard to children.

Chemically, our state of the art laboratories are equipped to analyze the migration of harmful elements from toys. We use advanced spectrometers to accurately measure the levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other regulated substances. Whether it's testing the paint on a toy car or the plastic material of a building block, we leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the chemical composition of the toy is safe for children. Our comprehensive testing services not only cover the core requirements of these standards but also keep up with any updates or new regulations, providing you with a one-stop solution for toy safety testing.

Factory Audits for Compliance

In addition to testing services, Testcoo offers valuable factory audit services. Our experienced auditors visit manufacturing facilities to assess the production processes and ensure compliance with the EN71 and ASTM F963 standards.

During a factory audit, we review the manufacturing processes from start to finish. We check the quality control measures in place, such as how raw materials are inspected upon arrival at the factory. For example, we verify that the plastics used in toy production are free from excessive levels of harmful substances by examining the material safety data sheets provided by the suppliers. We also look at the production line to ensure that the manufacturing equipment is well maintained and calibrated. Faulty equipment can lead to inconsistent product quality, which may result in toys not meeting the physical and mechanical requirements of the standards.

We assess the factory's testing capabilities, if any, to see if they are conducting in-house tests properly. If a factory claims to perform its own pull tests on small parts, we review their testing procedures, equipment, and record-keeping. This helps us determine if the factory's self-assessment is reliable. Moreover, we check the storage conditions of raw materials and finished products. Proper storage is crucial to prevent contamination or degradation of the materials, which could affect the safety and quality of the toys. By conducting regular factory audits, we help manufacturers identify areas for improvement, correct any non-compliance issues promptly, and maintain high-quality production processes that meet international safety standards.

Streamlining the Process

Testcoo understands the importance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness for Southeast Asian toy manufacturers. That's why we have implemented a streamlined process to help you save time and money while ensuring compliance.

Our online platform allows you to place orders for testing and factory audit services quickly and easily. With just a few clicks, you can provide the necessary details about your toy products, such as the type of toy, its materials, and the production volume. This eliminates the need for time-consuming paperwork and back-and-forth communication. Once you place an order, our team springs into action. We have a fast-turnaround policy, and you can expect to receive a detailed test report within a short period. Our reports are comprehensive, clearly stating whether the toy meets the EN71 and ASTM F963 standards, and if not, what specific issues need to be addressed.

We also offer cost-effective testing packages, taking into account the budget constraints of Southeast Asian manufacturers. By bundling different types of tests together, we can provide you with a more affordable solution without compromising on the quality of the testing. Additionally, our team of experts is always available to offer advice and guidance throughout the testing process. Whether you have questions about the standards, need help interpreting the test results, or want to know how to improve your product to meet the requirements, we are just a phone call or an email away. Our goal is to make the toy safety testing process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you, allowing you to focus on what you do best manufacturing high-quality toys for children around the world.