FAQ

No, you don’t necessarily need to get your product ASTM and CPSIA tested inside the United States. However, the lab must be approved by the CPSC for the test report to be valid. If not, you’re just wasting your money.

While you don’t necessarily have to test every single order, at a minimum, you must get the first production run tested. Further, you must also create a testing plan that takes the following into consideration:

1. Testing routine in case a product fails the lab test

2. Standard testing frequency (in case of no failed lab tests)

Yes, you need to test each SKU (e.g. product design or model) that you import and sell in the United States. This also applies to different variations of the same product, such products with different dimensions, materials or colors.

This is also the case if you change the manufacturer.

No, you cannot use a test report issued by your supplier for the following reasons:

1. The test report must be valid for the same production lot or batch that you import and sell in the United States. As such, existing test reports for previous orders cannot be applied to your production – even if it’s the same product, material, and supplier.

2. The test report company name must also match your company name, as you also need to issue a Children’s Product Certificate. A test report issued in your supplier’s name cannot fulfill that criterion.

Yes, the CPSIA requires that all toys and other children’s products imported and sold in the United States are laboratory tested by a CPSC approved third-party testing company.

Further, the lab test must be conducted on products originating from the same product run (e.g. batch) as those you place on the market.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) applies to all children’s products for children of 12 years or younger in the united states. The CPSIA requires all such products are tested by a third-party testing company approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

That said, the CPSIA is not a safety standard, but requires that you as an importer or domestic US manufacturer ensure that your product is compliant with all applicable ASTM standards, such as ASTM F963 – Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.

ASTM F963 and other relevant standards cover various aspects of product safety:

· Substance restrictions: Lead, mercury, and other chemicals and heavy metals

· Physical properties: Sharp edges, loose parts, etc

· Flammability

The purpose of the lab test is to verify that your product is technically compliant with CPSIA, and you’ll receive a test report used to prove this.