F963

F963, commonly referred to as ASTM F963, is the standard consumer safety specification for toy safety published by ASTM International. It sets forth requirements for toys in the United States, outlining safety criteria for design, construction, performance, labeling, and age grading to reduce risks to children.

The scope covers a broad range of toy products intended for use by children up to 14 years old, including traditional toys, electronic toys, action figures, dolls, puzzles, and parts accessories. It addresses multiple hazard areas such as mechanical and physical hazards (small parts, sharp edges, pinch points, accessible magnets), flammability for textiles and certain components, chemical hazards (restricted substances, heavy metals, and certain plasticizers like phthalates), electrical safety for toys with power sources, and packaging safety.

In addition to performance requirements, F963 contains requirements for labeling, warnings, age grading, and instructions for use. It also prescribes testing methodologies and criteria for evaluating toys, with conformity assessment methods that typically involve laboratory testing and documentation.

Compliance with F963 is enforced in the United States as part of the broader regulatory framework for children's products under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSIA). Manufacturers and importers often obtain third-party testing and certification and maintain technical files to demonstrate conformity, with the right to affix declarations or labeling indicating compliance.

F963 is periodically revised to reflect new safety knowledge and technological developments. It is commonly used in conjunction with other international toy safety standards, such as EN 71 and ISO 8124, to address global market considerations.