How can you safely pass the numerous checkpoints of toy testing?

As toys are closely associated with children throughout their development, their quality and safety are directly linked to their health and safety. From design and production to final market launch, toys must undergo a systematic inspection and testing process to ensure compliance with national regulations and standards. This article systematically explains the key items, testing methods, and precautions for toy inspection from an inspector's perspective, providing practical reference for relevant practitioners.

1. Basic Background and Age Grading of Toy Inspection

Mainstream international standards (such as China's GB 6675, the US's ASTM F963, and the EU's EN 71) generally define children as under 14 years old. Children of different ages differ significantly in cognitive abilities, behavioral characteristics, and physiological development, so toy design, labeling, and testing procedures must be tailored accordingly.

During the inspection process, the applicable age on product labels must be strictly checked to ensure it is consistent with the product's actual risk level. Parents should also pay attention to age labels when purchasing to reasonably avoid risks.

2. Core inspection items for toy inspection

During the factory inspection and sampling inspection process, toys must pass the following key tests to verify whether they meet safety standards:

1. Label and information inspection

The label is the "identity card" of product quality and compliance. Inspectors need to focus on checking:

• Whether the applicable age range is clearly marked;

• Whether it contains necessary warnings (such as small parts warnings, drowning prevention tips, etc.);

• Whether the product information is complete, including product name, model, manufacturer, implementation standards, etc.;

• Whether the compulsory certification marks (such as China's CCC mark) are complete.

2. Mechanical and physical performance testing

This type of test evaluates the structural safety of toys under normal use and foreseeable abuse. Inspection usually includes the following:

• Size and shape : Avoid small parts that may cause swallowing risks;

• Edges and points : Check for sharp edges to prevent cuts or punctures;

• Rope and line length : Assess the length and elasticity of the rope to prevent entanglement risks;

• Durability test : Through abuse tests such as drop, impact, torque, and tension, determine whether there are dangerous structures or small parts falling off;

• Special performance tests : such as the stability of ride-on toys, the kinetic energy of projectiles, the sound pressure level of sound-emitting toys, etc.

3. Combustion performance test

For specific materials (such as plush, textiles, head-mounted toys, etc.), flame retardant performance tests are required to prevent them from burning rapidly when exposed to fire and causing harm.

4. Detection of hazardous chemicals

Children often come into contact with toys through their mouths, so chemical safety is a key and difficult point in product inspection, mainly covering:

• Migratable element detection :
  This instrument simulates liquid environments such as saliva and sweat to detect the migration of eight harmful elements, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As). Commonly used instruments include ICP-MS and ICP-OES.

• Phthalates content control :
  Exceeding the permitted limit for these plasticizers can disrupt the endocrine system. Countries around the world have strict restrictions on them, such as China's GB 6675, which restricts six types, the US CPSC, which restricts eight, and the EU REACH regulation, which also sets clear limits on these substances.

• Other chemical risk substances :
  For example, bisphenol A (BPA), formaldehyde, azo dyes, etc. also need to be tested specifically according to the place of sales.

3. Key links in the inspection process

During the actual inspection and factory inspection process, the system needs to perform the following operations:

1. Scientific nature of sampling methods :
   AQL standards or customer-specified sampling plans should be followed to ensure sample representativeness.

2. Standardization of the inspection environment :
   This includes lighting, temperature and humidity control, as well as the calibration and preparation of necessary testing equipment (such as calipers, torque meters, tensile testers, sharp edge testers, etc.).

3. Functional and simulated usage testing :
   Inspectors need to simulate children's actual usage behaviors, such as biting, pulling, dropping, pressing, etc., to discover potential risks.

4. Record and Evidence Retention :
   All inspection results must be clearly recorded, non-conforming items should be photographed and archived, and detailed in the inspection report.

IV. Common toy defects and inspection points

The following problems are common in many factory inspections and market spot checks:

• Small parts can easily fall off, posing a choking hazard;

• Warning signs are missing or inaccurately stated;

• Insufficient material thickness or strength, prone to breakage and sharp edges;

• Chemical testing revealed excessive levels of phthalates or lead;

• The battery box is poorly designed and can be easily opened by children;

• The packaging film is too thin and has no air holes.

V. Suggestions for Parents and Businesses

• When purchasing, parents should :

  • Look for regular channels and brands, and reject "three-no products";

  • Check whether the product is marked with an age warning and the CCC mark (for products with compulsory certification);

  • Check the condition of toys regularly and eliminate damaged or aging products in a timely manner.

• Companies and suppliers should :

  • Establish a full-process quality control system from raw materials to finished products;

  • Regularly entrust third parties to conduct inspections and compliance tests;

  • Safety design and risk assessment are introduced during the product development phase.

Conclusion

Toy safety is a systematic project, encompassing multiple stages from design and production to inspection and sales. As the gatekeepers of product quality, inspectors must possess a comprehensive knowledge of standards, rigorous operational procedures, and a keen awareness of risks. Only through scientific and standardized inspection and testing can we truly eliminate safety hazards and create a safe and secure play environment for children. At China Huibang Focus, we specialize in product inspection and quarantine, testing and certification, supplier background checks, audits, and factory inspections.