Children's product sellers offering items intended for use by children under 3 years old
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prohibits the sale of children's products designed for children under 3 years old if they contain small parts that pose a choking, aspiration, or ingestion hazard. This is a blanket ban—these products cannot be sold at all, not just labeled with warnings.
Requirements
Products with small parts that create choking or ingestion hazards for children under 3 are completely banned from sale
This applies to any product marketed for or reasonably intended for use by children under 3
No warning label or disclaimer can make a banned product legal to sell
Why it matters
Selling banned children's products exposes you to CPSC enforcement action, product seizure, significant fines, and potential criminal liability.
Sellers of children's products designed for use by children under 3 years old
If you sell children's products intended for kids under 3, you cannot include small parts (anything that fits into a small parts cylinder without squeezing) that pose choking, aspiration, or ingestion risks. The rule bans these as hazardous substances under federal law.
Requirements
Small parts (any object fitting into the small parts cylinder without compression) are banned if they present choking or ingestion hazards
Applies to whole toys, separate parts, or pieces that break off during normal use or abuse testing
Exceptions include balloons, books, writing materials, clothing, grooming products, rattles, pacifiers, and modeling clay
Fabric/paper/yarn components that shed during testing are not considered small parts
Why it matters
Selling products that violate the small parts ban exposes you to CPSC enforcement action, product recalls, fines, and delisting from TikTok Shop.
Manufacturers and importers of children's products containing small parts, balloons, small balls, marbles, and certain products like modeling clay, fingerpaints, rattles, and pacifiers.
Children's products containing small parts, balloons, small balls, or marbles must carry a choking hazard warning label that tells consumers not to buy them for children under a specific age. Any advertising for these toys must display the same warning label. Manufacturers and importers must also issue a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) confirming the product meets the small parts ban rule, though the choking hazard label itself doesn't need to be listed in the CPC.
Requirements
Products must display a choking hazard warning label on packaging that specifies the minimum age
The same warning label must appear in all advertising for the product
Manufacturers/importers must issue a Children's Product Certificate (CPC) citing "16 CFR part 1501 – Small parts"
The choking hazard labeling requirement does not need to be included in the CPC
Why it matters
Failure to properly label and certify these products violates CPSC regulations and can result in product recalls, fines, and legal liability for selling unsafe children's products.
Sellers of toys and children's products subject to the CPSC small parts ban and choking hazard warning requirements
This section explains compliance documentation requirements for products subject to the small parts ban and choking hazard labeling rules under U.S. consumer safety law. When certifying products, you must reference the correct regulation (16 CFR part 1501) for the small parts ban, but choking hazard warning labels don't require a separate certification document.
Requirements
Use citation "16 CFR part 1501 Small parts" in section 2 of your Certificate of Compliance (CPC) for the small parts ban
Choking hazard warning label requirements do not need to be included in a CPC
Contact the CPSC Small Business Ombudsman for specific guidance: (888) 531-9070 or [email protected]
Why it matters
Incorrect certification citations or missing documentation could result in product compliance issues and enforcement action from the CPSC.
Small businesses selling toys and children's products subject to small parts and choking hazard regulations
This is contact information for the CPSC Small Business Ombudsman team, which provides guidance and support on small parts regulations and choking hazard requirements for toys and children's products.
Requirements
Contact the Small Business Ombudsman for questions about small parts rules and compliance
Getting direct guidance from the CPSC helps you understand and comply with federal small parts restrictions, reducing the risk of costly violations or product recalls.
Sellers and manufacturers of children's toys in the United States
Section 106 of the CPSIA law requires that children's toys meet the ASTM F963 safety standard. This is a mandatory federal safety requirement that applies to toy manufacturers and sellers.
Requirements
Children's toys must comply with ASTM F963 mandatory consumer product safety standard
This requirement is established under Section 106 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)
Why it matters
Non-compliance with toy safety standards can result in product recalls, legal liability, and removal of listings from platforms like TikTok Shop.
Toy manufacturers and importers selling products designed or marketed as toys for children under 14 years of age
All toys designed for children under 14 must comply with ASTM F963, a mandatory safety standard. However, only toys marketed primarily for children 12 and under require third-party testing and certification; toys for 13+ year olds follow the standard but skip these testing requirements.
Requirements
Toys for children 12 and under must meet ASTM F963 safety standard and be third-party tested at a CPSC-accepted lab
Manufacturers/importers of toys for 12 and under must obtain and provide a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)
Toys intended for 13+ year olds must follow ASTM F963 but do not require third-party testing or CPC
Certain product categories (bicycles, tricycles, sports equipment, hobby kits with no play value) are exempt from these requirements
Why it matters
Selling untested toys for children 12 and under without a CPC violates federal law and can result in product seizure, fines, and legal liability.
Toy manufacturers and sellers subject to CPSC regulation (products designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age or younger)
ASTM F963 is a comprehensive toy safety standard that covers many safety requirements, but not all sections apply to every toy. Manufacturers must identify which specific sections of the standard are relevant to their particular product and ensure compliance with those sections. The CPSC provides guidance breaking down ASTM F963 into generally-applicable requirements and toy-specific requirements to help with this identification.
Requirements
Identify which ASTM F963 sections apply to your specific toy product
Review the actual ASTM F963 standard text (not just summaries) for detailed compliance requirements
Understand that different sections may apply depending on product type (e.g., flammability, toxicology, lead content in paint/substrate)
Some requirements are mandatory (e.g., hazardous substances, lead limits) while others are not (e.g., flammability testing)
Why it matters
Failing to identify and comply with applicable ASTM F963 sections for your toy can result in non-compliant products being pulled from the market, regulatory penalties, or liability for unsafe toys.
Toys certified to older versions of the ASTM F963 standard may still be legal to sell based on when they were manufactured, not when they're sold. Additionally, all children's products must include a CPSC tracking label with permanent markings on both the product itself and its packaging.
Requirements
Toys are compliant based on manufacture date, not sale date
Older ASTM F963 certifications may be valid depending on manufacturing date
CPSC tracking labels must be permanently marked on both the product and its packaging
Tracking label requirements are separate from other standard markings
Why it matters
Inventory manufactured under previous standards may still be legal to sell, but you must include proper tracking labels on both product and packaging or risk product recalls and regulatory action.
Toy manufacturers, importers, and sellers offering children's toys for sale, particularly those selling through platforms like TikTok Shop
This rule directs toy manufacturers and sellers to follow ASTM F 963 safety standards (specifically the February 10, 2009 or 2007 versions) when designing, testing, and bringing children's toys to market. The CPSC provides educational resources, including a regulatory robot tool and video tutorials, to help businesses understand and comply with these standards.
Requirements
Follow ASTM F 963-08 (February 10, 2009) or ASTM F 963-07 standards for toy design and safety
Use CPSC's Regulatory Robot tool to verify compliance
Reference the ASTM F 963 Chart for specific requirements
For water bead toys specifically, test extractable acrylamide content using the prescribed test method
Why it matters
Non-compliant toys can be recalled, result in legal liability, cause injury to children, and get your listings removed from the platform.
Manufacturers and sellers of water bead toys in the United States
This section provides guidance on how to test water bead toys for extractable acrylamide content to ensure they meet U.S. safety standards. The CPSC has established methods to measure whether water beads release harmful levels of acrylamide that could be absorbed through skin contact.
Requirements
Water bead toys must be tested for extractable acrylamide content using CPSC-approved test methods
Testing is required to determine if the product complies with toy safety regulations
The Small Business Ombudsman team is available to provide guidance on testing requirements and compliance
Why it matters
Failure to test and comply with acrylamide limits can result in product seizure, recalls, fines, and liability if children are harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals.
Toy sellers and manufacturers seeking guidance on CPSC compliance and toy safety standards
The CPSC provides contact information for the Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) team to help businesses with questions about toy safety requirements and compliance. This is a resource link section, not a substantive regulatory requirement.
Requirements
Contact the Small Business Ombudsman via toll-free phone (888) 531-9070, email ([email protected]), or online form for toy safety guidance
Note that external links may direct you outside the CPSC website; review their privacy policies separately
Use the provided Test Method for Determining Extractable Acrylamide Content from Water Beads for relevant product testing
Why it matters
Having direct access to the CPSC's small business resources helps you understand compliance obligations and avoid costly violations or product recalls.
TikTok Shop sellers listing toys and hobby products
To sell toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop, you may need to pass category qualification, which means TikTok will review your products to make sure they're safe and compliant. You're responsible for following all CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) rules, and any children's products with choking risks must include proper warning labels.
Requirements
May need to complete category qualification before selling
Must comply with all CPSC regulations and safety requirements
Children's products with choking risks must display CPSC-required warning labels
Requirements vary depending on your seller role
Why it matters
Non-compliance can result in listing rejection, account restrictions, or legal liability if products cause harm to consumers.
Manufacturers, importers, and repackers selling non-electronic children's toys on TikTok Shop
Before you can sell non-electronic children's toys on TikTok Shop, you must provide a Children's Product Certificate (CPC)—a document from a CPSC-accredited lab proving your product meets all required safety standards. The certificate must include specific details about the manufacturer, product, and testing, and must be dated within the past year.
Requirements
CPC must include manufacturer/importer name and address, issue date (within last 365 days), product details matching your listing photos, and a clear product description
Must state the manufacture date/location and most recent compliance test date/location
Must list the CPSC-accredited laboratory name and address
Must reference all applicable consumer product safety rules, bans, standards, and regulations
Certificate must be in English
Why it matters
Without a valid CPC, your listings will be rejected and you cannot legally sell children's toys on the platform; providing an outdated or incomplete certificate risks account suspension and product removal.
Sellers listing toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop
You must provide a test report from a CPSC-accredited laboratory that proves your toy or hobby product meets all applicable U.S. consumer product safety standards. The report must be recent (issued within the last year), in English, and clearly show which safety tests were performed and whether the product passed or failed each one.
Requirements
Report must be issued by a CPSC-accredited laboratory within the last 365 days
Report must include manufacturer/importer name and address, laboratory name and address, and test date/location
Product description and details must match your listing photos and category
Report must clearly show which safety standards were tested and pass/fail results
Report must be in English
Why it matters
Without a current, compliant test report from an accredited lab, your toy listing will be rejected and you cannot sell the product on the platform.
Sellers listing toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop
You must provide clear product photos showing all sides and angles, with all packaging text, warnings, and descriptions fully visible. You also need a legible image of the tracking label that shows the manufacturer name, production location and date, batch or run numbers, and any other details identifying where the product came from—and this label must be in English.
Requirements
Show all sides of the product in photos
Include clear images of all packaging information, warnings, and product descriptions
Provide a legible tracking label image showing manufacturer/importer name, production location and date, batch or run numbers, and source identification
Tracking label must be in English
Why it matters
Missing or unclear product photos and tracking labels can result in listing rejection or removal, preventing you from selling the product on the platform.
TikTok Shop sellers listing toys and hobby products for sale
When selling toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop, you must provide a purchase invoice from your supplier that proves you legally obtained the products. The invoice must be recent (less than a year old) and clearly show what you're selling, along with being written in English.
Requirements
Supplier's name and address on the invoice
Issue date within the last 365 days
Product details and quantities matching what you're applying to sell
Invoice must be in English
Why it matters
Without a valid purchase invoice, your toy or hobby product listing will be rejected or removed, preventing you from selling those items on the platform.
TikTok Shop sellers listing electrical toys and hobby products
Electrical toys and hobby products must display a valid electrical safety marking to prove they meet safety standards. This marking can be embossed directly on the product, applied as a sticker, or printed on the packaging. The marking must be applied carefully and comply with specific formatting requirements.
Requirements
Marking must be either embossed on product or applied as a flat sticker with no creases or peeling
Double stickers are not allowed
Marking can appear on packaging instead of the product itself
For Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled devices, include a photo of the FCC marking
Why it matters
Missing or improperly applied electrical safety markings will result in listing removal and may prevent you from selling electrical products on the platform.</Matters>
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Manufacturers, importers, and repackers selling toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop
As a manufacturer, importer, or repacker selling toys and hobby products, you must provide certification documents proving your products meet safety standards. The certification must be current, accurately describe the exact products you're selling, and match your product photos.
Requirements
Certification of Compliance or Conformity (COC) or Children's Product Certificate (CPC) must be issued within the past 12 months (365 days)
Certificate must list all safety standards tested and include the accredited laboratory's name and address
Product description and tested product details must exactly match your listing photos and product category
Certificate must include manufacturer or importer name, address, and manufacturing/compliance testing dates
Why it matters
Without current, matching certification, your listings will be rejected or removed, as TikTok requires proof of safety compliance for all toys and hobby products.
TikTok Shop sellers listing toys with small detachable parts, puzzles with pieces smaller than 1.25 inches, children's jewelry/accessories, and art supplies like beads or buttons
If you sell toys, puzzles, jewelry, or art supplies with small parts that could be choking hazards, you must display a clear choking hazard warning both in your product listing and on the physical packaging. The warning label must meet compliance standards and be presented properly on packaging without damage.
Requirements
Display choking hazard warning clearly in your product listing
Include compliant warning label on physical packaging
Warning stickers must be flat with no creases, peeling edges, or double stickers
For Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-enabled devices, include a photo of the FCC marking
Why it matters
Failure to properly display choking hazard warnings can result in listing removal and legal liability for child safety violations.
Sellers offering toys and hobby products on TikTok Shop, specifically those selling items with small or detachable parts, small-piece puzzles, children's jewelry, or loose art supplies.
TikTok enforces strict safety rules for toys and hobby products by prohibiting items with small detachable parts, puzzles with tiny pieces, children's jewelry, and loose art supplies like beads. Violations trigger enforcement actions ranging from account warnings to complete removal of listings and access to the category.
Requirements
Do not sell toys with small, detachable parts
Do not sell puzzles with pieces smaller than 1.25 inches
Do not sell jewelry or accessories intended for young children
Do not sell loose art supplies such as beads or buttons
Why it matters
Violations result in rejected applications, account health penalties, listing removal, loss of selling privileges in the category, and potential customer refunds—all of which damage your business on the platform.
