ASTM F 963 : 2023

1.1This specification2 relates to possible hazards that may not be recognized readily by the public and that may be encountered in the normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. It does not purport to cover every conceivable hazard of a particular toy. This specification does not cover product performance or quality, except as related to safety. Except for the labeling requirements pointing out the functional hazards and age range for which the toy is intended, this specification has no requirements for those aspects of a toy that present an inherent and recognized hazard as part of the function of the toy. Such an example is a sharp point necessary for the function of a needle. The needle is an inherent hazard that is well understood by the purchaser of a toy sewing kit, and this hazard is communicated to the user as part of the normal educational process.

1.2On the other hand, while a riding toy has inherent hazards associated with its use (for example, falling off onto the sidewalk), the possible hazards associated with its construction (sharp edges, exposed mechanisms, etc.) will be minimized by the application of this specification.

1.3This specification covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age. Different age limits for various requirements will be found in this specification. These limits reflect the nature of the hazards and expected mental or physical ability, or both, of a child to cope with the hazards.

1.4Articles not covered by this specification are as follows:
 Bicycles
 Tricycles
 Non-Powered Scooters
  (see Consumer Safety Specification F2264)
 Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes
  (see Consumer Safety Specification F2641)
 Sling shots and sharp-pointed darts
 Playground equipment
 Non-powder guns
 Kites
 Hobby and craft items in which the finished item is not
  primarily of play value
 Model kits in which the finished item is not primarily of
  play value
 Crayons, paints, chalks, and other similar art materials in
  which the material itself or the finished item is not
  primarily of play value, except that all art materials,
  whether or not a component of a toy, shall comply with
  LHAMA, in accordance with 4.29.1 – 4.29.3.
 Sporting goods, camping goods, athletic equipment,
  musical instruments, juvenile products, and furniture;
  however, toys that are their counterparts are covered.
  (It is recognized that there is often a fine line between,
  for example, a musical instrument or a sporting item
  and its toy counterpart. The intention of the producer
  or distributor, as well as normal use and reasonably
  foreseeable abuse, determines whether the item is a
  toy counterpart.)
 Powered models of aircraft, rockets, boats, and land
  vehicles; however, toys that are their counterparts are
  covered.
 Constant air inflatables

1.5General guidelines for age labeling toys and toy packaging are contained in Annex A1.

1.6Information regarding packaging and shipping is contained in Annex A2.

1.7This consumer safety specification includes the following sections:

1.8The values stated first are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.9The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 8, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.