December is when we celebrate International Safe Toys and Gifts Month, highlighting the significance of providing children with safe, suitable, and hazard-free toys and gifts. This period aims to promote awareness regarding toy safety standards and guidelines, aiming to safeguard children from accidents and injuries.

Securing the safety of toys and gifts during the festive season is paramount for the well-being of children. Here are key tips to ensure that the presents you share this season are not only enjoyable but also safe:

• Inspect Safety Labels: Examine age suitability indicators and safety endorsements on toys. These labels offer direction on the toy’s appropriateness for specific age ranges and affirm that it has undergone safety assessments. Choose toys and gifts from trustworthy vendors and makers. Seek out markings that signify adherence to safety benchmarks like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These symbols confirm rigorous testing for meeting safety standards.
• Read Review: Prior to buying a toy, peruse reviews and conduct thorough research using dependable sources like parenting publications, consumer reports, or credible online platforms. Check for any recalls or safety issues linked to the toy or its manufacturer.
• Select High-Quality and Resilient Toys: Pick toys crafted from robust materials capable of enduring rough handling, minimizing the chance of breakage or sharp edges.
• Conscious Material Choice: Prioritize toys fashioned from non-toxic materials and paints. Steer clear of products containing hazardous substances like lead or phthalates, commonly present in certain plastics and vinyl toys.
• Guided Play: Stress the significance of adult supervision, especially concerning toys involving electricity, water, or other potential hazards.
• Follow the CPSC standards and Safety Guidelines, which include:
• Ensuring any fabric on the toy is flame resistant or flame retardant
• Read the toy label to ensure the paint and other materials are lead-free
• Choose stuffed toys and dolls that are washable
• Crayons and other coloring supplies must be non-toxic. Always look for the seal of approval of the ASTM.

At GICG, we not only check each toy for mechanical safety hazards that might be present in its normal use, but also subject it to reasonable foreseeable abuse, according to the intended age group, to uncover hidden hazards.

In general, abuse tests fall into the following categories, namely:

Impact Test
Stimulates how the product is dropped from a height, such as when a child drops or throws the toy.

Torque Test
Mimics what happens when a toy is pulled or twisted by a child.

Tension Test
Simulates the child pulling components of toys they can grab.

Compression Test
Simulates constant force applied or pressed to the toy.

Mechanical and Physical Tests
All toys are evaluated for safety hazards before and after the above abuse tests.

GICG has the capability to provide a wide range of testing services for compliance to multiple international requirements and regulations, such ASTM F963, BS EN 71 series, ISO 8124 series and Age Grade Determination (CPSC, EU and ISO) for toys. We are also ready to assist partners in preparing for complex product certification procedures such as EU Toys Safety Directive (CE Mark).

Our laboratories and test are conducted in compliance with international standards and any other standards required by the local authority.

Contact us to learn more about toy testing: https://gicgrp.com/testing-item/toys-and-juvenile/

By being vigilant and proactive in selecting safe toys and gifts, we can ensure that the joy of giving is accompanied by the peace of mind that comes from prioritizing children’s safety. This International Safe Toys and Gifts Month, let’s celebrate responsibly, spreading happiness while keeping our loved ones out of harm’s way.