In an industry where innovation moves fast, it's crucial to continuously adapt our product standards so toys and games not only spark joy but also meet the highest safety requirements. From helping to shape the rigorous ASTM F963 standard in the U.S. to pursuing alignment of global regulations, our advocacy efforts at The Toy Association are vital in protecting children around the world.

The ASTM F963 Standard for Toy Safety — the foundation of federal toy safety requirements in the U.S. that is widely emulated by countries around the world — has long been a cornerstone of toy safety. The Toy Association and its members spearheaded the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard in the 1970s; in 1986 it was adopted under the ASTM consensus standards process.

Reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis, ASTM F963 has evolved through the decades — addressing emerging hazards, improving existing language, and integrating new insights on child behavior to keep pace with advances in technology and new trends in play. I serve as chair of the ASTM Subcommittee on Toy Safety (F15.22), leading the multi-stakeholder consensus process that includes industry experts, consumer advocates, government representatives, medical and child development experts, testing labs, and safety specialists so that the standard remains robust and relevant to current safety needs.

Our work extends beyond domestic efforts and plays a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to align toy safety standards globally. Recently, our team attended meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 181 on Toy Safety in São Paulo, Brazil. At these meetings, toy safety professionals representing participating member countries from around the world came together to discuss the ISO 8124 series of standards, which aim to streamline safety regulations across different countries and serve as a model for countries that might otherwise create divergent requirements. Alignment (or convergence) of standards is crucial because it fosters a global approach to safety, ensuring that no matter where a toy is manufactured or sold, it meets an equivalent level of safety.

Collaboration across borders is crucial, and we are committed to fostering strong partnerships with toy safety experts worldwide. Harmonizing global safety standards provides assurance to parents everywhere that toys made by reputable and responsible manufacturers meet comparable rigorous safety requirements, no matter where they are sold. It also helps those manufacturers by simplifying compliance, and reducing instances of divergent requirements.

But toy safety isn’t just the responsibility of manufacturers and regulators — it’s a shared partnership between the toy industry and consumers. As we approach Toy Safety Awareness Month in November, we invite the industry to join us in amplifying the good work being done to keep toys safe while sharing vital safety tips with families. Although the Association promotes safety messaging and discussions throughout the year, we place particular emphasis on this initiative as we approach the peak holiday shopping season.

The industry can get involved by sharing key safety assets on social media, educating consumers about what to look for when buying toys, and highlighting the rigorous safety standards behind every toy on store shelves. Whether it’s reminding parents to always check for age-appropriate labeling or providing tips on supervising play, there are so many ways to help spread the word.

Creating safe products takes many “hands” — from developing standards, expert design and manufacturing, and consistent testing to ensure toys are safe to effectively marketing products and educating consumers. As we enter the holiday shopping season, let's use this time to champion the industry's commitment to safety and equip parents with the information they need to make safe, informed choices. Together, we can help ensure that every toy brings joy and play to children, with safety as our top priority.

We encourage the toy industry to share The Toy Association’s safety content throughout the month of November and use the official hashtags, #ToySafetyAwarenessMonth and #PlaySafe, in all posts. Visit PlaySafe.org, The Toy Association’s consumer site filled with resources for parents and caregivers, for trusted toy and play safety advice year-round. - Article by Joan Lawrence, senior vice president, standards & regulatory affairs, The Toy Association™