Health Canada Issue Proposals to Changes Regulations for Magnetic Toys

Top Quote Health Canada has published proposals to update its mandatory requirements and tests for magnetic toys. Comments must be forwarded to Health Canada by January 17, 2018. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) January 17, 2018 - Health Canada has issued proposals to amend the mandatory requirements and tests relating to magnetic toys. Published on November 4, 2017, Health Canada is now seeking comments, which must be received before January 17, 2018.

    Currently, mandatory safety requirements for magnetic toys are covered by ASTM F963, EN 71 and ISO 8124, but not by Canada’s toys regulations. The proposed changes will align Health Canada’s safety requirements with these standards. The proposed changes mean:
    • Any magnetic toy or magnetic component that can be entirely enclosed in the small parts cylinder must have a magnetic flux index of less than 0.5 T2mm2. The use of a force to check if magnetic toy or magnetic component that can be entirely enclosed in the small parts cylinder should be less than 4.45N
    • The amendments refer to ASTM F963-16 for drop, torque, tension, impact and compression test
    • For initial tension and final tension test for magnets, the amendments also align with ASTM F963-16 except for 10 attach-detach cycles only instead of 1000 cycles per ASTM F963-16.
    • Soaking test aligns with ASTM F963-16, EN 71 and ISO 8124 for magnetic components of wooden toys, toys to be used in water or toys to be brought into mouth for use

    The proposed changes are required as more and more toys are using small, powerful magnets and, if swallowed, these can represent a considerable threat to children. Magnets are used in toys, such as:
    • Puzzles
    • Construction sets
    • Train sets
    • Science kits
    • Board games
    • Toy jewellery

    If a magnet is swallowed, it may require emergency surgery or could even cause death.

    Stakeholders are advised to check their products comply with the latest version of Canada’s Toy Regulations.

    SGS Toy & Juvenile Product Services
    SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children’s equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. Learn more about SGS’s Toy & Juvenile Product Services. [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/toys-and-juvenile-products/juvenile-products-and-childcare-articles]

    SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Health Canada Proposes Regulatory Amendments to Toy Regulations for Magnetic Toys SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/12/safeguards-19517-health-canada-proposes-regulatory-amendments-to-the-toys-regulations]

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    For further information contact:
    Hsin Chen
    Technical Manager, Restricted Substances
    Tel: +1 973-461-7950
    Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
    Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

    About SGS
    SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

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