Toys & Children's Products Testing Services

Navigate complex CPSIA compliance with confidence through Element's comprehensive Toys & Children's Products Testing services. Our expert-led testing ensures your products meet all safety requirements, from lead content to physical hazards. We deliver the certainty you need to bring children's products to market safely and legally, backed by reliable certification and global expertise.

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What are Product Testing services for Toys and Children's Products at Element?

If you manufacture products (furniture, toys, garments, etc.) designed for use primarily by children aged 12 or younger, then it is important that you have a materials testing program in place by a third-party testing laboratory.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or CPSIA, requires each accessible component of children’s products to be tested for total lead, additional heavy metals, and other organic compounds. Your products also need to comply with ASTM F963.

Element's comprehensive testing services help manufacturers of children's products comply with CPSIA regulations and ASTM F963 standards.

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

What can Element offer you for Toys & Children's Products Testing?

Key tests offered

Element offers a full suite of ASTM F963 testing procedures, including flammability testing, toxicology analysis for lead and heavy metals, phthalates testing, and physical safety assessments. These include:

Flammability testing - numerous test methods from simple to complex

Toxicology testing - lead analysis and soluble heavy metals

Toxicology testing - phthalates di(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP) also known as dioctyl phthalate (DOP), DnOP, DBP, BBP, DiNP and DiDP

Small Objects testing - choke hazards

Accessible Edges testing - sharp edges

Accessible Points testing - sharp points

Packaging Film testing - thickness and spacing of holes

Folding Mechanisms testing - pinch points

Cords, Straps testing - choke hazards

Components and materials we test

We test all accessible parts in children's products, including paint coatings, metal components, plastics containing phthalates, small parts, packaging films, folding mechanisms, and straps. Our testing covers both finished products and individual components to ensure complete compliance with all CPSIA requirements.

Methods and solutions offered

We provide complete documentation and certification support, with expert guidance through regulatory requirements and compliance processes.

Which labs offer this service

Our team operates from a global laboratory network, including Element St Paul in Minnesota which offers a full product evaluation laboratory. Find your nearest Product Qualification Testing hub on our Locations Page.

Standards we test to and the materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

16 CFR Part 1303

16 CFR Part 1508

16 CFR Part 1509

ASTM D1230

ASTM F 963

EN 55014-1

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Complex Regulatory Navigation

Element's experts guide you through CPSIA requirements and ASTM F963 standards, ensuring comprehensive compliance across all 30+ test procedures and changing regulations.

Multiple Testing Requirements

Our one-stop testing solution covers all required safety parameters - from toxicology to physical hazards - through our accredited third-party laboratories.

Strict Safety Thresholds

Advanced testing capabilities ensure precise measurement of lead content, heavy metals, and phthalates to meet all regulatory limits with absolute certainty.

Business Risk Management

High-quality test reports and certificates provide the documentation you need to minimize liability risks and maintain market access.

Why Choose Element

Global Reach, Local Support

Access to 8,500 experts across multiple continents for convenient local service with worldwide capabilities.

Absolute Testing Certainty

Our deliverable is high-quality data you can rely on for critical compliance decisions.

Expert-Led Support

Direct access to chemists and analytical experts who understand regulatory requirements and testing needs.

Complete Testing Solutions

Comprehensive testing coverage for all CPSIA and ASTM F963 requirements in one trusted partner.

Frequently asked questions

What products require CPSIA testing?

Any consumer product designed or intended primarily for children aged 12 years or younger requires testing. This includes toys, furniture, garments, bicycles, bedding, and accessories. The law requires that each accessible part or component of the product be tested.

Are there any exclusions to the CPSIA rules?

CPSIA rules exclude products intended for use by all ages as well as educational materials with a functional purpose (e.g. chemistry sets, electronics kits). They also exclude component parts that are inaccessible to children; with "inaccessible" meaning it includes a sealed covering or casing (paint, coatings or electroplating are not sufficient).

What are the current lead content limits?

Products must contain no more than 100 ppm of lead, unless technically infeasible. This applies to all accessible parts and components.

What tests are specified as part of ASTM F963?

ASTM F963, "Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety," contains specifications and test methods to determine safety hazards—including over 30 test procedures. Some of these include: