#220: Ensure Your Toys Meet Legal Safety Standards or It Can Cost You

Making It in The Toy Industry with The Toy Coach

Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding of critical standards like ASTM F963 and ASTM D4236. Learn the potential financial consequences of non-compliance with real-life examples. With 145,500 toy-related injuries reported in 2022, this episode underscores the importance of adhering to rigorous safety protocols and proper labeling to prevent accidents and ensure toys are safe for children.

The second half of the episode introduces the Design Safety Toolkit from KID (Kids In Danger), a nonprofit organization. This free mini-course teaches toy creators how to integrate safety features directly into their designs, surpassing basic compliance to achieve real-world safety. In this episode, you'll get an overview of a cornerstone lesson from this mini-course, The Design Safety Hierarchy, and how to apply it. By adopting a safety-centric mindset from the start, toy creators can significantly reduce risks and create safer products.
If you've been questioning whether or not your toy needs safety testing, this is the episode for you. The practical tips will help you ensure your toys meet the highest safety standards. For additional resources and expert guidance, visit thetoycoach.com/220.

Episode Cliff Notes:

• In 2022, there were 145,500 toy-related injuries reported in U.S. emergency departments for children ages 12 and under.
• Learn the essential action item to review and improve one aspect of your current designs from a safety perspective
• Discover how the Design Safety Toolkit can help you develop safer products for free
• Learn the hierarchy of design safety, including how to guard against injuries and affix required warning labels
• Find out why embossing safety messages into products is a game-changer for compliance
• Uncover the key toy safety requirements you must follow according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Understand the financial and legal ramifications of non-compliance, including penalties up to $15 million USD.
• Hear a real-world case study that emphasizes the importance of anticipating how toys are used beyond initial safety testing

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