US CPSC Proposes New Rule for Water Bead Toys

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 141.24, highlighting the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to revise the existing consumer product safety rule for toys to include performance and labeling requirements for water bead toys and toys containing water beads.

The proposed rule, 16 CFR 1250, published on September 9, 2024, addresses four identified hazards:
1. Ingestion of water beads
2. Insertion of water beads into the nose or ear
3. Aspiration due to water beads
4. Choking due to water beads

    The current safety standard, ASTM F963-23, includes requirements for expanding materials but the CPSC considers that these are insufficient to address the known hazards. The proposed rule adds performance requirements and marking, labeling and instructional literature requirements. An effective date of 90 days after the final rule is proposed, with comments invited until November 8, 2024.

    SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 141.24 includes the NPR definition of a water bead, a link to the Federal Register’s details of the proposed performance and labeling requirements, and proposed changes to related legislation.

    Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 141.24 for more details.

    SGS toy & juvenile product services
    SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s toy & juvenile product services.

    SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US CPSC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Water Bead Toys SafeGuardS.

    Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

    For further information contact:

    Piyush Shah
    Technical Director, Hardlines
    Tel: +1 (973) 461-7953

    Dennis Lancion
    Technical Manager, Consumer and Retail, Hardlines
    Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757

    Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
    LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

    About SGS
    We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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