Plush toys are irresistible; they make people of all ages happy. In fact, the stuffed toy demand and sales have been on the rise, with a global market valuation of $7.98B in 2018 and a projected CAGR of 7.61% through 2025. Beyond their charming exteriors, however, lies a major concern, which is safety. But beyond their endearing facades lies a serious worry: security. Whether you’re a manufacturer or a worried parent, the quality and safety of plush toys are of the utmost importance. A CPC certification guarantees that plush toys are safe and meet the high requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
Why Is Plush Toy Inspection Necessary
Adorable as they may be, plush toys pose a hazard due to harmful chemicals or tiny, detachable pieces. The inspection process ensures that producers thoroughly check plush toys and guarantees the following:
- Assured safety
- Compliance with the regulations
- Quality control
- Prevent product return and legal issues
- Boost the brand image
- Cost-effectiveness
- A safe playing experience for the children
Common Soft Toy Testing Standards
Toys with stuffing must follow several rules before they may hit store shelves. However, these rules may vary in different countries. For instance, manufacturers importing soft toys into the United States must follow safety regulations that differ from those in Europe. Here are a few standards for stuffed toys:
- EN71 – The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) established this toy safety standard in response to the Toys Directive 2009/48/EC.
- ASTM F963 – A toy safety standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- CPSIA 2008 – U.S. legislation concerning the protection of consumer products.
- Canada CCPSA Toy Regulation (SOR/2016-188/193/195).
- AS/NZS ISO 8124 – Standard of toys in the Australian market.
Process Of Plush Toys Testing
- Tests And Evaluation On-Site
During on-site testing, inspectors check for metal detection, seam strength, accessories, and functionality. They are like your eyes in the factory. This will ensure your stuffed animals are safe, practical, and look great.
- Lab Testing
The accuracy of certified labs is essential for some testing. During the inspection, you will be led to choose tests relevant to compliance and safety concerns. Inspectors take samples to labs to ensure your plush toys are thoroughly tested.
Requirements For Stuffed Toy Labeling
Plush toys have necessary labeling regulations that must be followed to ensure safety and transparency. While there might be some variation depending on the region, the general requirements are as follows:
- Manufacturer/private labeler
- Product production location and date
- Details like batch or run numbers or other identifiers
- Any more information to help identify the product’s origins
Other factors to consider when labeling toys are:
- Age Grade Recommendation: Indicating the recommended age range for this plush toy.
- Maintenance Reminders: Instructions on how to clean and maintain the stuffed toy.
- Safety Warnings: This section informs buyers about plush toy hazards such as small components choking.
- Compliance Information: The plush toy satisfies specific safety requirements, such as ASTM F963 in the US.
Clear and Legible Labeling
- All material must be legible and easily understood in your target market’s language.
- Font size and style should be appropriate to make information visible to customers.
- Durable label material should be used to withstand fading and ripping.
Children’s Product Certificate (CPC)
After the inspection, you must obtain the Child Product Certificate (CPC). This is also a must-have for any kid-friendly toy sold on Amazon. The CPC certificate contains information regarding the production process, specific safety criteria, and in-depth product descriptions.
Here is the information that needs to be included in the CPC:
- Complete product overview
- The certification must meet all CPSC safety requirements.
- Specifics on the importer or manufacturer
- Data regarding the person responsible for maintaining test results
- Origin of the product
- Details from any third-party CPSC-approved labs used for certification purposes
Summing Up
After a CPSC-approved lab has examined a plush toy and found it safe, it must be licensed as a child product. Toys that have received a CPC certification ensure that they have been thoroughly inspected and guarantee that they meet all relevant standards.
HUAK Testing can help businesses manage compliance concerns and get items to market by testing toys to international standards in different countries, including the EU, US, Canada, NZ, and Japan. Contact us to learn more.
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