Society of Product Safety Professionals

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Should toys be labeled as choking hazards if small parts came off after use and abuse testing?

Question: Since small parts need to be labeled as choking hazards for children 3 years old and younger, can I age label a 10" plush bear for 3+ because small parts came off after use and abuse testing? 

Answer:  No.  You cannot age label away from a hazard if the product meets the CPSC’s criteria for a younger age. The CPSC’s age determination guidelines were updated in 2020 and can be found at the link below.  

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Age-Determination-Guidelines-Relating-Consumer-Product-to-Characteristics-Skills-Play-Behavior-Intersts-to-Children-January-2020.pdf?VersionId=4nM3QIubBtIsckhdaIY81wgmmrTYlV_i

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