International Toy Safety Testing – Canada (Toys Regulations SOR/2011-17)
As with any country, if you want to sell a toy to consumers in Canada, 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 you through every stage of the process.
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 SOR/2011-17 testing requirements.
What toy safety standards apply in Canada?
Under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, toys need to conform with the country's Toys Regulations, known as SOR/2011-17. These regulations define a toy as "a product that is intended for use by a child under 14 years of age in learning or play".
Here's an explanation of all the different aspects the Canadian Toys Regulations covers.
Mechanical hazards
Safety testing under this part of the standard ensures that children are not exposed to risks due to insufficient consideration of the following aspects of a toy's design.
Small parts
Metal edges
Wire frames
Plastic edges
Wood
Glass
Fasteners
Safety stops/locking devices
Spring-wound driving mechanisms
Projectile components
Enclosures
Stability
Toxicological hazards
This part of the Toys Regulations specifies limits for certain substances that can be hazardous for children to ingest or otherwise consume.
The following chemicals are prohibited for use in toys if a child could access them under reasonably foreseeable circumstances or if they could be released on breakage or leakage:
Carbon tetrachloride
Methyl alcohol
Petroleum distillates
Benzene
Turpentine
Boric acid or salts of boric acid
Ethyl ether
In stickers, films and surface coating materials specifically:
Lead
Compounds of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, selenium or barium
Mercury
Corrosive, irritant or sensitizing substances
Electrical, auditory, thermal and flammability hazards
The Canadian Toys Regulations also outline other restrictions such as:
Electrically operated toys must comply with Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.2 No. 149-1972
Electrically operated wood-burning tools must comply with Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.2 No. 122-M1989
Toys must not exceed a decibel limit of 100 dB at a distance from the ear that a child would experience under normal use
Toys with a surface or part that could become heated under foreseeable use must meet the thermal and labelling requirements under Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.2 No. 149-1972
Specific regulations
Finally, the Toys Regulations set out rules for the following specific toys:
Dolls, plush toys and soft toys
Plant seeds
Pull and push toys
Toy steam engines
Finger paints
Rattles
Elastics
Yo-yo type balls
Magnetic toys
Toys intended to be entered by a child
How do I ensure my product meets the toy safety requirements for Canada?
To make sure your product is accepted as safe for sale in Canada, 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 the Canadian market, as well as the UK and Europe, Australia and New Zealand, 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.