Six Banned Phthalates in Toys
Phthalates Compliance Guide and Testing Solutions for Manufacturers
Phthalates are plasticizers used to soften PVC and other plastics, making them flexible and durable. They are common in soft toys, teethers, bath toys, inflatables, and vinyl‑coated components. Because certain phthalates have been associated with developmental and reproductive effects, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) strictly limits their use in children’s toys and child care articles.
Under CPSIA and CPSC rules, several phthalates are prohibited above 0.1% (1000 ppm) in plasticized parts of children’s products. DEHP (Di(2‑ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), and BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate) are permanently banned in all children’s toys and child care articles. Additional phthalates, including DINP (Diisononyl phthalate), DIBP (Diisobutyl phthalate), and related compounds are prohibited in toys and child care articles that can be placed in a child’s mouth. Any accessible flexible PVC, vinyl, or rubber part in a toy should be treated as a candidate for phthalates testing.
CPSIA requires manufacturers, private labelers, and importers to use compliant materials, conduct third‑party testing at a CPSC‑accepted, ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited laboratory, and issue a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) based on those results. When suppliers, colorants, or formulations change, retesting is strongly recommended, as even small alterations can affect phthalate content.
Materials Analytical Services, LLC (MAS) supports toy and children’s product manufacturers with A2LA‑accredited phthalates testing (Certificate 2925.01). MAS analyzes phthalates in toys by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GC‑MS) according to CPSC method CPSC‑CH‑C1001‑09, providing quantitative results suitable for CPCs and retailer or marketplace reviews. For toy‑specific details, see Phthalates Testing in Children’s Products, and for broader capabilities, visit Chemical Analysis for Phthalates Testing.
A practical compliance approach includes requiring phthalate declarations from suppliers, testing representative soft plastic and vinyl components, and scheduling periodic verification testing. Working with an ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory experienced in children’s product regulations simplifies documentation and reduces the risk of non‑compliant shipments.
MAS provides clear reports with individual phthalate concentrations and CPSIA pass/fail determinations, ready to support CPC creation and marketplace submissions. To discuss a testing plan or request a quote, contact us. For an overview of all analytical services, visit mastest.com.
Sources
1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Phthalates: https://www.cpsc.gov
2. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 2051–2089
3. CPSC Final Rule on Phthalates (16 CFR Part 1307)
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Resources
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