Baar (January 9, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 189.25 to inform stakeholders of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) final rule amending the federal toy safety regulation to add specific requirements for water bead toys and toys containing water beads.
On December 12, 2025, the CPSC published a final rule revising 16 CFR 1250 to address known hazards associated with water bead toys, including ingestion, choking, aspiration and insertion into the ear or nose. The rule also aims to reduce potential exposure to acrylamide from these products. The amendments will take effect on March 12, 2026.
The final rule introduces new performance requirements to ensure that water beads that fit within the small parts cylinder in their dehydrated state can safely pass specified expansion and funnel or sieve tests after hydration. It also establishes limits on extractable acrylamide content in water beads and prescribes specific test methods.
In addition, the rule mandates new marking, warning and instructional labeling requirements for water bead toys, their packaging and, where applicable, individual products sold without packaging. Instructional literature must also carry corresponding warnings with defined formatting and contrast requirements.
The rule further updates 16 CFR 1112 to include water beads in the CPSC’s list of notice of requirements.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help businesses stay informed of key regulatory developments.
SafeGuardS 189.25 outlines the implications of the CPSC’s final rule for manufacturers, importers and distributors of water bead toys supplied to the US market.
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 Final Rule for Water Bead Toys SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Piyush Shah
SGS Consumer and Retail Technical Director – Hardlines
Tel: +1 (973) 461-7953
Dennis Lancion
SGS Consumer and Retail Technical Manager – Hardlines
Tel: +1 (905) 364-3757
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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