[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/US Toys Compliance USChildren's Products # US Toys Compliance Toys in the US must comply with strict CPSC requirements including CPC certification, ASTM F963 standards, and tracking labels. Understanding children's product requirements is essential for toy manufacturers and importers. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fus-toys-compliance) At a glance Key requirements 4 ASTM F963 areas 4 FAQs 5 ## Key requirements ### Children's Product Certificate (CPC) Required for all children's products including toys. Must be based on third-party testing by CPSC-accepted laboratory. **Applies to:** All children's products including toys ### ASTM F963 Compliance Toys must comply with ASTM F963 standard for toy safety, covering physical, mechanical, flammability, and chemical requirements. **Applies to:** All toys for children 12 and under ### Tracking Labels Children's products must have permanent tracking labels with date of production, manufacturer information, and batch information. **Applies to:** All children's products ### Lead and Phthalates Limits Strict limits on lead content and phthalates in children's products and coatings. **Applies to:** All children's products and coatings ## ASTM F963 requirements Physical and Mechanical Requirements for sharp edges, small parts, points, and other physical hazards to prevent choking and injury. Flammability Flammability requirements for toys and toy materials to prevent fire hazards. Heavy Metals Limits on heavy metals including lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals in toy materials and coatings. Sound Level Limits on sound levels for toys to prevent hearing damage from loud toys. ## Testing requirements Third-Party Testing Children's products must be tested by CPSC-accepted third-party laboratories. Self-testing is not permitted for CPC certification. Test Protocols Testing must follow CPSC-accepted test protocols for ASTM F963 and other applicable standards. Test Reports Test reports must be maintained and support the CPC. Reports must be available for CPSC inspection. Periodic Testing Ongoing production testing required to ensure continued compliance after initial certification. ## Common compliance mistakes Using self-testing instead of third-party lab - CPC requires CPSC-accepted third-party testing Missing tracking labels - permanent tracking labels are mandatory for children's products Incorrect age grading - age grading determines applicable requirements and testing Ignoring small parts requirements - small parts are a major choking hazard for young children Inadequate documentation - CPC and test reports must be maintained and available Not updating for standard changes - ASTM F963 is updated periodically requiring re-evaluation ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between GCC and CPC? GCC (General Certificate of Conformity) is for general consumer products and can be based on manufacturer's own testing. CPC (Children's Product Certificate) is for children's products and must be based on third-party testing by a CPSC-accepted laboratory. Toys require CPC. ### Do all toys need third-party testing? Yes, all toys classified as children's products (for children 12 and under) require third-party testing by a CPSC-accepted laboratory for CPC certification. This is a mandatory requirement under CPSIA. ### What is ASTM F963? ASTM F963 is the standard consumer safety specification for toy safety. It covers physical and mechanical hazards, flammability, heavy metals, sound levels, and other safety requirements. CPSC has incorporated ASTM F963 into federal regulations. ### What tracking labels are required for toys? Children's products must have permanent tracking labels that include: date of production, manufacturer or private labeler information, and batch or run number. The label must be permanently affixed and remain legible throughout the product's life. ### What are the lead limits for children's products? Lead content in children's products is limited to 100 ppm (parts per million) for most materials. Lead in paint and coatings is limited to 90 ppm. These limits are strict and apply to all accessible components of children's products. **Disclaimer:** This guide provides general information about toys compliance. Product-specific determinations require analysis of CPSC regulations. Always verify current requirements with CPSC resources or qualified compliance professionals. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US roadmap for toys Every standard, document, and test that applies β€” free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take toys through πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. 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