ISO 8124-1-2-3 Toy Safety Testing Standards

Over the past decade, a series of toy recalls making international headlines has significantly heightened global attention on toy quality and safety. The year 2007 was particularly notable, with 231 recalls, including the largest crib recall in history.

Overview of ISO 8124

ISO 8124, the "Toy Safety Standard," developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provides a comprehensive set of testing methods and unified standards aimed at "minimizing potential hazards associated with toys." The standard primarily references the EU EN-71 and US ASTM F963 standards while emphasizing that national markets retain ultimate authority over toy compliance.

The Eight Major Toy Safety Standards of ISO 8124:

1. ISO 8124 Part 1: Mechanical and Physical Properties (2018 & A1:2020+A2:2020) 

Applies to toys for children aged 14 and under, focusing on physical and mechanical characteristics. Two revisions in 2020 aligned it with ASTM F963 and EN-71. 

Key Amendments: 

- Updated terminology and added new definitions. 

- Revised testing methods for expanding materials to align with ASTM F963-17. 

- Modified warning requirements for cords and instructions for projectile toys. 

- Updated safety requirements and testing methods for "flying toys." 

2. ISO 8124 Part 2: Flammability (2014) 

Specifies the risk of toy combustion when exposed to flames, focusing on the following categories: 

- Wearable items (e.g., costumes, wigs, masks). 

- Toys designed for child entry. 

- Soft-filled toys with a plush or fabric surface. 

3. ISO 8124 Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements (2020) 

Strictly regulates the chemical composition of toy materials, ensuring that the migration levels of substances remain within safe thresholds. 

Covered Materials: Paint, cardboard, metals, children's paint, clay, etc. 

Regulated Elements: Eight elements, including antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. 

4. ISO 8124 Part 4: Swings, Slides, and Similar Activity Toys for Indoor and Outdoor Family Use (2014 & A1+A2:2019) 

Specifies safety standards for household playground equipment like swings and slides, covering anchoring, barriers, entrapment prevention, and motion safety. 

5. ISO 8124 Part 5: Determination of Total Concentration of Certain Elements (2015) 

Provides methods to test the total concentration of harmful elements in toy materials, complementing the migration standards of Part 3. 

6. ISO 8124 Part 6: Phthalates (2018) 

Studies the potential health risks of phthalates, establishing compliance evaluation methods for phthalate levels in toy materials. 

7. ISO 8124 Part 7: Requirements and Test Methods for Finger Paints (2015+2020 A1) 

Focuses on the safety of finger paint compositions, impurity limits, and packaging and labeling requirements. It does not apply to face or body paints. 

8. ISO 8124 Part 8: Age Determination Guidelines (2016) 

Provides technical guidelines for determining the appropriate age for toys, aligned with EN-71 and ASTM F963.

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