Heavy Elements Testing for Toy Components (ASTM F963)

Toys have limits on eight soluble heavy elements, including cadmium, chromium, and mercury, in toy materials (accessible substrates on toys for children under 6y; paints and surface coatings on toys for children 12y and under). Labs commonly quote $1,000 or more for this. Here, one material starts at $465.

WHAT THIS TESTING IS

Who this is for

⨀ Makers of toys and teethers whose components don’t have supplier reports
⨀ Component sellers: silicone beads and shapes, paints, finishes
⨀ Amazon sellers (Amazon typically requires Full Solubility)

What kind of test is it?

Full Solubility - tests how much of each element can dissolve out of the material. The most conclusive option, typically required by Amazon.

How many tests do I need?

One test = one material in one color. A silicone teether in 3 colors is 3 tests.

What you’ll send

1 medium sample, 5-25 small (button-size) pieces, or about 5g of wet paint in a tightly sealed bottle, per test.

What you’ll get

⨀ A heavy elements test report from an ISO 17025-accredited, CPSC-accepted lab in the US
⨀ Written Testing Plan template

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 1 business day of receiving it.
   

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. A failed design can’t be sold as-is and may need to be changed for a different component. 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.