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ASTM F963 citation codes for CPSC eFiling (toy standard sections)

Toys for children 12 and under must comply with ASTM F963, made mandatory by 16 CFR part 1250. For eFiling, CPSC does not use one code for the whole standard. Every applicable section must be listed, and the citation code is the ASTM section number, e.g. small objects is 4.6 (CPSC guidance). Your lab report's list of passed clauses is the best source for which sections apply.

Format trap: keep trailing zeros. 4.10 (Wires or Rods) is a different code from 4.1 (Material quality); the same goes for 4.30 and 4.40. Spreadsheets that convert these cells to numbers silently turn 4.10 into 4.1, so format the cell as Text. Our CSV validator checks codes against the official list.

CodeSectionCPSC noteTesting exclusions
4.1Material qualityChildren's toys must comply and be certified to this, but third party testing not required–
4.3.5.1(2)Paint and Similar Surface Coating Materials–
4.3.5.2Toy Substrate Materials
Exclusion codeWhat CPSC excludes
1251.216 CFR 1251.2: Determinations regarding heavy elements for unfinished and untreated wood
1252.3(b)(1)16 CFR 1252.3(b)(1): Determinations regarding heavy elements for particleboard that is untreated and unfinished made from virgin wood or pre-consumer wood waste
1252.3(b)(2)16 CFR 1252.3(b)(2): Determinations regarding heavy elements for hardwood plywood that is untreated and unfinished made from virgin wood or pre-consumer wood waste
1252.3(b)(3)16 CFR 1252.3(b)(3): Determinations regarding heavy elements for medium-density fiberboard that is untreated and unfinished made from virgin wood or pre-consumer wood waste.
1253.2(b)(1)16 CFR 1253.2(b)(1): Determinations regarding heavy metals for nylon
1253.2(b)(2)16 CFR 1253.2(b)(2): Determinations regarding heavy metals for polyurethane (spandex)
1253.2(b)(3)16 CFR 1253.2(b)(3): Determinations regarding heavy metals for viscose rayon
1253.2(b)(4)16 CFR 1253.2(b)(4): Determinations regarding heavy metals for acrylic and modacrylic
1253.2(b)(5)16 CFR 1253.2(b)(5): Determinations regarding heavy metals for natural rubber latex
4.3.6Cleanliness of Liquids, Pastes, Putties, Gels, and Powders–
4.3.7Stuffing Materials–
4.5Sound Producing Toys–
4.6Small Objects–
4.7Accessible Edges–
4.8Projections (except bath toy projections)–
4.9Accessible Points–
4.10Wires or Rods–
4.11Nails and Fasteners–
4.12Plastic Film–
4.13Folding Mechanisms and Hinges–
4.14Cords, Straps, and Elastics
Exclusion codeWhat CPSC excludes
4.14.6ASTM F963: Exemption for straps used for waist restraints on ride-on toys are exempt from the free length and loop requirements
4.15Stability and Overload Requirements–
4.16Confined Spaces–
4.17Wheels, Tires, and Axles–
4.18Holes, Clearances, and Accessibility of Mechanisms–
4.19Simulated Protective Devices–
4.20.1Pacifiers with Rubber Nipples–
4.20.2Toy Pacifiers–
4.21Projectile Toys–
4.22Teethers and Teething Toys–
4.23.1Rattles–
4.24Squeeze Toys–
4.25Battery-Operated Toys–
4.26Toys Intended to Be Attached to a Crib or Playpen–
4.27Stuffed and Beanbag-Type Toys–
4.30Toy Gun MarkingToy guns subject to ASTM F963 must be certified under both the toy standard and 16 CFR 1272–
4.32Certain Toys with Nearly Spherical Ends–
4.35Pompoms–
4.36Hemispheric-Shaped Objects–
4.37Yo-Yo Elastic Tether Toys
Exclusion codeWhat CPSC excludes
4.37.2ASTM F963: Exemptions for paddle balls and for sport balls with wrist or ankle straps longer than 70 cm (27.6 in) intended to be kicked or thrown and returned to the user
4.38Magnets
Exclusion codeWhat CPSC excludes
4.38.3ASTM F963: Exemption for magnetic/electrical experimental sets intended for children eight years of age and over that contain a loose as-received hazardous magnet or a loose as-received hazardous magnetic component, or both.
4.39Jaw Entrapment in Handles and Steering Wheels
Exclusion codeWhat CPSC excludes
4.39.2ASTM F963: Exemption for handles that are connected to the toy with a hinge and handles made from a pliable material
4.40Expanding Materials–
4.41Toy Chests–
5Labeling Requirements (as applicable)Labeling must be compliant and certified, but third party testing is not required.–
6Instructional Literature (as applicable)Instructional literature must be compliant and certified, but third party testing is not required.–
7Producter's Markings (as applicable)Producer's markings must be compliant and certified, but third party testing is not required.–

Other codes that usually travel with F963

1278a · 1303 · 1307 · 1501 · 1505 · 1510 · 1272 · 1250.4

Deadlines

  • July 8, 2026: eFiling mandatory for imported regulated products (formal and informal entries); new certificate content rules (16 CFR 1110.11) apply to domestic and imported products.
  • January 8, 2027: products entered for consumption or warehousing from a Foreign Trade Zone.
  • January 20, 2027: international mail shipments filed under CBP's new Entry Type 13.
  • There is no de minimis exemption for eFiling. Sources: Final Rule (90 FR 1800), CPSC mail guidance (Oct 2026).

Source: CPSC eFiling Citation and Testing Exclusion Codes (Dec 18, 2025).