What CPSC tests does a children’s toy need before I sell it in the U.S.?
A toy designed for children 12 or younger needs a Children’s Product Certificate based on tests by a CPSC-accepted lab: the sections of ASTM F963-23 that apply to that toy, total lead in accessible parts, lead in paint, the eight restricted phthalates in plasticized parts, and the small parts ban if it is meant for children under 3.
The rules most toys meet
- ASTM F963-23, made mandatory by 16 CFR part 1250, for toys manufactured after April 20, 2024 16 CFR part 1250 CPSC toy guidance. Section 4.2 (flammability) and sections that restate another rule are not part of it.
- Total lead: 100 ppm in accessible parts 15 U.S.C. 1278a. Paint and surface coatings: 90 ppm 16 CFR part 1303.
- Phthalates: no more than 0.1 percent of each of eight phthalates in any plasticized part 16 CFR 1307.3. Polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS and some other plastics, with listed additives, need no test 16 CFR 1308.2.
- Small parts: banned in toys for children under 3 16 CFR 1501.2. A toy for ages 3 to 6 that has small parts carries the choking hazard warning instead 16 CFR 1500.19(b)(1).
- A tracking label on the toy and its packaging 15 U.S.C. 2063(a)(5).
F963 depends on the toy
Not every F963 section applies to every toy: you identify the ones that fit yours CPSC toy guidance. Examples from CPSC’s guidance:
| If the toy… | F963 or CPSC adds |
|---|---|
| Is for children under 8 | No hazardous sharp points or edges, before and after use-and-abuse tests |
| Runs on batteries | Battery access, labeling and overheating requirements, chargers included |
| Has loose magnets that fit the small parts cylinder | A flux index under 50 |
| Makes sound | Sound level limits |
| Is stuffed or a beanbag toy | A seam strength test |
| Plugs into the mains | 16 CFR part 1505, cited instead of the F963 section |
| Contains water beads | Size and acrylamide limits in 16 CFR 1250.4 16 CFR 1250.4 |
On the certificate
The CPC cites “16 CFR part 1250 – Children’s toys” followed by the F963 sections that apply, plus 15 U.S.C. 1278a for lead and part 1303 when the toy is painted CPSC toy guidance. Labeling requirements need no lab test CPSC toy guidance. Toys for 13 and up may still fall under F963, but need no accepted-lab tests or CPC CPSC toy guidance; see our page on toys labeled 14+.
You can map the F963 sections and order the tests yourself. If you would rather not, our free check tells you by email which rules apply to your toy and which lab tests to order; once you have the lab reports, we check each against its rule and the lab’s CPSC acceptance, then write the CPC, the Registry import file and the broker sheet. $79 per certificate, 2 U.S. business days. We do not test products.
Last reviewed: October 19, 2026 · First published: October 19, 2026 · Not legal advice.
Sources read October 19, 2026
- 16 CFR part 1250 — Toy safety (ASTM F963)
- CPSC, Toy Safety Business Guidance (ASTM F963, section by section)
- 15 U.S.C. 1278a — Lead limits in children’s products
- 16 CFR part 1303 — Lead in paint and similar surface coatings
- 16 CFR 1307.3 — Prohibited phthalates in children’s toys and child care articles (0.1 percent)
- 16 CFR 1308.2 — Plastics that need no phthalate test (PP, PE, polystyrene, ABS, with listed additives)
- 16 CFR 1501.2 — Small parts rule: scope (toys and articles for children under 3)
- 16 CFR 1500.19(b)(1) — Choking hazard warning on toys with small parts for ages 3 to 6
- 15 U.S.C. 2063 — Certificates, third-party testing, tracking labels
- 16 CFR 1250.4 — Requirements for water beads