Inspection checkpoints · Toys

Toy inspection: what we check.

A toy inspection combines safety checks, such as small parts, sharp edges and torque and tension, with function, workmanship and labelling on a random sample drawn to ANSI/ASQ Z1.4. Here is what our inspectors check.

Book an inspection Open the checklist

16: defects we look for
6: on-site tests
0 / 1.5 / 4.0: typical AQL

Toys

CriticalSmall part that fits the small parts cylinder, on a toy for children under 36 months

MajorToy does not work as described: mechanism, sound, light or wheels

MinorSlight paint overspray

Plush and soft toys, plastic and wooden toys, battery-operated and ride-on toys, games and puzzles, and baby toys.

Defects by class

Critical, major, minor: how we class them.

Each defect in the sample is photographed and counted in its class. Your AQL plan sets how many are allowed; for critical defects the answer is none.

AQL 0

Critical defects

Likely to injure the user or breaks a mandatory rule of the destination market. One critical defect in the sample means the lot is not accepted.

Small part that fits the small parts cylinder, on a toy for children under 36 months
Sharp edge or sharp point on an accessible part
Eye, nose or small component that comes off in the torque and tension test
Button or coin battery accessible without a tool
Cord or string longer than the standard allows; finger trap in a moving part
Missing required age warning

AQL 1.5 typical

Major defects

Likely to cause a failure, reduce usability or make the product unsaleable, so a customer would return it.

Toy does not work as described: mechanism, sound, light or wheels
Seam opening on a soft toy; loose stuffing
Paint or print flaking
Missing part or accessory
Wrong or incomplete labelling or instructions
Retail box artwork does not match the approved proof

AQL 4.0 typical

Minor defects

A departure from the specification that does not affect use and is unlikely on its own to cause a return.

Slight paint overspray
Untrimmed thread on a soft toy
Print slightly off position on the box
Small scuff on the packaging

Your specification and approved sample decide the final class. Where a buyer defines zones (for example, zone A for the most visible surfaces), a defect in zone A is usually classed higher than the same defect in a hidden area.

On-site tests

Tests we run at the factory.

01
Small parts cylinder
Toys for under 36 months: no part fits wholly in the cylinder (EN 71-1; 16 CFR 1501).
02
Torque and tension
Eyes, noses and small components at the EN 71-1 or ASTM F963 values for the age group.
03
Drop and abuse
Dropped and stressed for the age group, then small parts and sharp edges checked again.
04
Sharp edge and point
Checked by hand and with testers (EN 71-1; 16 CFR 1500.48 and 1500.49).
05
Seam strength
Soft toy seams pulled at the value in your specification.
06
Battery compartment
Opens only with a tool where EN 62115 or ASTM F963 requires it.

Measurements

Points we measure.

Measurement points for toys
Point	How we measure
Overall length, width, height	Against the specification
Cord or string length	Fully extended
Smallest detachable part	Before and after abuse tests
Openings and gaps	Where fingers could enter
Weight	Scale, in grams

Unit: mm unless stated. We measure at least five units per size or version against your specification and tolerances, and report every reading.

Packing and labelling

Packed right, labelled right.

Age grading and warnings on the retail pack as required
Plastic bags meet the film thickness or warning rules of the market
Assortment and count per carton match the packing list
Batteries packed as specified, with contacts protected
Cartons dry, sealed and marked
Shipping marks, carton count, gross weight and dimensions agree with the packing list

Market marks

What your market expects.

EU: CE mark, EN 71 series, warnings in local languages, manufacturer and importer details, and a type or batch number.
UK: UKCA or CE mark, with the UK importer’s details.
US: ASTM F963 and CPSIA testing, a Children’s Product Certificate, CPSIA tracking label and small parts warning where required (16 CFR 1500.19).
Australia: Mandatory standards for toys for children up to 36 months and for products containing button or coin batteries.

We check marks and documents against your specification. Your compliance team or test lab confirms which rules apply to your exact product.

How we inspect it

On the floor, step by step.

We run the safety checks on units separate from the visual sample so every result is clear. Our inspectors carry a small parts cylinder, torque and tension gauges and edge and point testers, and repeat the checks after the drop and abuse tests.

Suggested planToy buyers often use AQL 0 / 1.5 / 4.0 at Level II, with safety checks on extra units.

Other categories

Toys inspection questions

Straight answers.

Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.

anirudh@sourcesquid.co

What is a critical defect in toys?

Anything that could injure a child: a small part that fits the cylinder on a toy for under-3s, a sharp edge or point, an eye that comes off in the torque test, an accessible button battery or a missing age warning. AQL 0 applies.

Can you do toy safety tests on site?

We run the mechanical safety checks on site: small parts, torque and tension, drop and abuse, sharp edges and points. Chemical tests and full EN 71 or ASTM F963 certification are done in an accredited lab.

What AQL should I use for toys?

Many toy buyers use General Level II with AQL 0 for critical, 1.5 for major and 4.0 for minor defects, plus safety checks on extra units. Our AQL planner shows the sample size and accept numbers for your lot.

Book a check

Your toys, checked point by point.

Tell us the product, the factory and the date. We confirm the inspector and the fixed price the same working day.

Book an inspection Talk to a principal