In September 2023, the ACCC created a new mandatory standard to reduce the chances of small parts releasing or coming off toys during play or after reasonable wear and tear, helping to prevent choking, suffocation, or death.
It applies to toys manufactured, designed, labeled, or marketed for children up to and including 36 months. These standards are a reminder of why it is important for well-meaning relatives and friends, to opt for age-appropriate toys when buying gifts. Here are the key takeaways.
The new standard is applicable, but not limited, to:
- rattles, toy dummies, teethers, and squeeze toys
- toys for attaching to cots, playpens, prams, and strollers
- push and pull toys
- pounding toys
- blocks and stacking toys
- bath toys
- rocking, spring and stick horses and figures
- musical chime toys
- jack-in-the box
- stuffed, plush, and flocked animals and figures
- dolls
- toys with pompoms
- games and puzzles
- toy cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
What is excluded (not covered):
- balloons
- marbles
- tapes and CDs
- books
- writing materials
- paints and paint brushes
- modelling materials including play dough, clay, and plasticine
- bicycles having a wheel base of not less than 640 mm
- playground equipment for parks, schools, and home use
- goods supplied wholly or partially unassembled that need an adult to assemble them after they’re bought if when assembled according to their supplied written instructions, the goods follow the specified standards
- flotation toys
- baby dummies
- toys made wholly from highly porous material (such as cheesecloth) – except for toys with pompoms
- toys made from certain plastics that are labelled according to the mandatory standard.
Please note that while these items are not covered by the standard, some still pose a choking hazard to young children. Balloons and marbles, in particular, should not be given to young children. Floatation toys should be used with supervision at all times and following directions including age and weight recommendations.
Mandatory Standard Overview:
- Mandates compliance with specific international safety standards. View the list here.
- Based on sections of voluntary standards, ensuring global alignment. Available from SAI Global or the ISO websites
Key Requirements:
- Specifies testing procedures for compliance – including through specialist testing laboratories.
- Sets standards for design and construction to prevent small parts from detaching.
Battery Operated Toys:
- Mandatory standards were introduced in June 2022 for battery safety.
- Requires secure battery compartments to prevent access by children.
Labelling Guidelines:
- Mandates appropriate labeling for toys intended for children under 36 months, or for toys intended for older children if the toys are commonly recognised as being suitable for children under 36 months of age.
- Provides guidance on age-appropriate toy usage.
Transitional Period:
- Suppliers have until March 4, 2025, to transition to the requirements of the new mandatory standard.
- During the transition, suppliers can adhere to the new mandatory standard or the Consumer Protection Notice No. 14 of 2003, as amended by Consumer Protection No. 1 of 2005 until they transition to the new standard.
Remember, you can stay up to date with recalls here. We recommend signing up for free emails of recalls, you can even opt for specific recall subjects like those related to “babies and kids”.
Read the full release for the new mandatory standard at the ACCC website.
