International Toy Safety Testing – Australia/New Zealand (ISO 8124)
As with any country, if you want to sell a toy to consumers in Australia or New Zealand, you need to make sure it conforms to the appropriate toy safety standards. If you're not sure what tests you need to carry out or what evidence you need, Northern Testhouse is here to help.
Our experts will carefully assess your product to determine what evidence you'll need to demonstrate that it's compliant, then carry out the testing to order – with fast turnaround times to suit your needs and budget.
We are one of the UK’s most experienced compliance testing laboratories. Contact us to find out how our totally independent service can support your ISO 8124 testing requirements.
What toy safety standards apply in Australia and New Zealand?
Australia and New Zealand require toys to comply with ISO 8124 Parts 1, 2 and 3. The standard defines a toy as any product or material clearly intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age.
Here's an explanation of all the different aspects the ISO 8124 standard covers.
ISO 8124 Part 1 – Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
Safety testing under this part of the standard covers:
Normal use
Reasonably foreseeable abuse (drop tests, tip-over tests, torque tests, tension tests, compression tests, flexure tests)
Small parts
Size and shape (e.g. small balls, pompoms, pre-school play figures)
Accessibility of parts/components
(Sharp) edges
(Sharp) points
Thickness of plastic film and sheeting
Cords
Folding and sliding mechanisms
Closures and lids
Stability and overload
Impact testing for toys that cover the face
Kinetic energy of projectile toys
Aquatic toys
Braking and speeds for ride-on toys and bicycles
Ignition and temperature increases
Leakage of liquid-filled toys
Washability
ISO 8124 Part 2 – Flammability
This part of ISO 8124 specifies the categories of flammable materials that are prohibited in all toys.
It prescribes specific flammability testing methods for:
Beards, moustaches, wigs, etc., made from hair, pile or material with similar features (e.g. free-hanging ribbons, paper or cloth strands)
Full or partial moulded head masks
Flowing elements of toys to be worn on the head, e.g. hoods, head-dresses, fabric masks that partially or fully cover the head, toy disguise costumes, toys intended to be worn by a child in a play and toys intended to be entered by a child
Soft-filled toys
ISO 8124 Part 3 – Migration of certain elements
This section specifies testing methods and acceptable levels for the migration of heavy metals (antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium) from toy materials and toy parts. Where children, particularly in younger age groups, often put toys in their mouths, it's essential to ensure that this will not result in the child ingesting harmful substances.
ISO 8124.3 prescribes specific testing methods for:
Coatings of paint, varnish, lacquer, printing ink, polymer and similar
Polymeric and similar materials, including laminates, whether textile-reinforced or not, but excluding other textiles
Paper and paperboard
Natural, artificial or synthetic textiles
Glass/ceramic/metallic materials
Other materials, whether mass-coloured or not, e.g. wood, fibreboard, bone and leather
Materials intended to leave a trace
Pliable modelling materials, including modelling clays and gels
Paints, including finger paints, varnishes, lacquers, glazing powders and similar materials in solid or liquid form
Lead is a particular cause for concern in the toy industry, often being found in paints and other finishings, buttons and zips and cosmetic products aimed at young children. Our sophisticated test equipment ensures that your products are completely safe for use by children.
How do I ensure my product meets the toy safety requirements for Australia and New Zealand?
To make sure your product is accepted as safe for sale in Australia or New Zealand, have it safety tested by Northern Testhouse.
We'll take a thorough assessment of your product and the markets you want to sell it in, then advise you on what safety tests we will need to carry out to ensure it's approved.
We have many years of extensive experience in product safety testing for these Australasian markets, as well as the UK and Europe, the US and more. You can rest assured that your product is in safe hands.
We are specialists in toy safety testing
Product safety testing and compliance is vital for the toy and children’s product sector, protecting your company reputation and driving consumer confidence.
At Northern Testhouse (Leicester) Ltd, we specialise in the safety testing of toys.
We are one of the UK’s most experienced compliance testing laboratories. Contact us to find out how our totally independent service can protect your business by ensuring your products comply with relevant regulations.