ASTM F963 Toy Safety Testing

- Physical & Mechanical Only -

Every toy for children 12y and under has to meet ASTM F963, the federal toy safety standard. If you’re a registered Small Batch Manufacturer, you may be able to do the physical and mechanical testing yourself. But if you’re not eligible, if Amazon is asking for a lab report, or if you’d simply rather know it’s done right, this is for you.

WHAT THIS TESTING IS

Who this is for

⨀ Toys for children 12y and under
⨀ Importers and Amazon sellers who need a third-party report
⨀ Small Batch Manufacturers who want lab-verified results

What’s tested

Physical and mechanical requirements of the most current ASTM F963 publication: Sharp points and edges, seams, use-and-abuse, and the other sections that apply to your toy. This does not include chemical testing (lead, heavy elements, phthalates) and your components may need those separately. Toys for children under 3y also need Small Parts testing (16 CFR Part 1501) which is a separate testing requirement [here].

What you’ll send

⨀ 3 samples of each design, fully labeled and packaged exactly as your customer receives them
⨀ Your completed request form

Tip: Wrap wood and other fragile pieces in bubble wrap

What you’ll get

⨀ A Small Parts test report from an ISO 17025-accredited, CPSC-accepted lab in the US
⨀ First-Party (Self) Testing Information & Record Sheet
⨀ Written Testing Plan template
⨀ Optional: A done-for-you Children’s Product Certificate for each tested design (+$75), delivered with your report

QUESTIONS ABOUT TESTING

How many designs do I have?

A new design for the Small Parts physical testing is any change in material type, seams, or construction. Effectively, if the difference between samples could effect the outcome, it will need to be a new sample.

For example:

1. An In-The-Hoop rabbit with long ears and safety eyes VS a giraffe with short ears, ossicones, and safety eyes are 2 different designs.
   
   
2. A plain wood stacking rainbow VS a painted wood stacking rainbow is the 'same' single design (testing one for Small Parts covers the other)
   
   
3. A teether ring with only 15mm silicone beads VS a ring with 15mm silicone beads & wood ring VS a ring with 15mm silicone beads, wood ring, & wood pendant are 3 different designs.

Unsure on how many designs you actually need to test? Send photos to testing@themakersresourceshop.com before you order and I'll count with you.

HOW TESTING WORKS

Process

1. Fill out the request form (link in your confirmation email). It’s private and takes about 10 minutes.
   
   
2. Ship your samples to me. Samples that arrive by Tuesday go out that Thursday. Wednesday arrivals may make it, but aren’t guaranteed.
   
   
3. I look everything over before it goes to the lab (cracks in wood, loose knots, anything likely to cause a fail) and let you know if something needs a second look.
   
   
4. The lab confirms the quote and starts testing. You’ll get a second email once testing has begun (usually within a week of shipping).
   
   
5. You get your report. Testing takes about 10-14 business days. I send your report within 2 business days of receiving it (along with your Children’s Product Certificate if you added one).
   

Plan for up to 4 weeks from the day your samples reach me to the day you have your report.

What if something fails?

It happens, and it’s exactly why testing exists. If a design fails, I’ll walk you through what failed and why, in plain language, and what to change before you pay to test again. A failed design can’t be sold as-is, but a tweak is usually all it takes. Testing fees cover the lab’s work either way, so they aren’t refundable.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

⨀ Send samples you’re okay not getting back. The lab keeps or disposes of most samples.

⨀ Want your samples back? Choose return shipping ($30) on the request form. I’ll invoice for it only if the lab returns them, which isn’t guaranteed.

⨀ Testing is to US CPSC standards only, for products sold in the US.

⨀ If the lab’s quote comes in higher once they have your samples (rare, but it happens with unusual materials), I’ll check with you before anything moves forward. You’d cover the difference only if you choose to continue.

⨀ Made Legit members save 15% on every testing order. [See Made Legit here]

⨀ I’m not a lawyer, and this is a testing coordination service, not legal advice. Testing services are non-refundable.