The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA) requires all art materials to be evaluated for chronic health hazards. Materials posing such risks must have appropriate warning labels. This law applies to all art materials, not just those for children. Under U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations (16 CFR §1500.14(b)(8)), art materials must undergo LHAMA assessment and labeling in accordance with ASTM D4236.

The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA) requires all art materials to be evaluated for chronic health hazards. Materials posing such risks must have appropriate warning labels. This law applies to all art materials, not just those for children. Under U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations (16 CFR §1500.14(b)(8)), art materials must undergo LHAMA assessment and labeling in accordance with ASTM D4236.

On 12 December 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published the new EU Toy Safety Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/2509). This Regulation will replace Directive 2009/48/EC and will apply from 1 August 2026.

USP 61/62, officially known as USP 34: 2011, General Chapter 61 & 62, is set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and establishes essential standards for microbial limits testing in non-sterile products. These chapters are critical for ensuring the safety and quality of a wide range of consumer products. USP 61: Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Microbial Enumeration Tests. This includes methods for quantifying the presence of total aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts. USP 62: Microbiological Examination of Nonsterile Products: Tests for Specified Microorganisms. This involves targeted tests for specific harmful pathogens.

Recently, the State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of China) issued the 23rd announcement of 2024, approving the release of 20 new mandatory national standards and one amendment to an existing mandatory standard. Among them is the mandatory national standard for the watch industry, GB 44702-2024 "Regulations on the Limit of Harmful Substances in Watch Components in Direct Contact with Human Skin," which will be implemented starting October 1, 2025. All relevant units need to pay close attention to the content of the new standard to ensure that their products comply with the national requirements.

BIS released a draft standard on ultramarine blue for use as a colourant in plastics for toys and food contact materials (FCMs).

On October 13, 2023, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released the toy safety standard ASTM F963-23. Currently, the federal regulation 16 CFR 1250 still adopts ASTM F963-17.

On August 23, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released an investigation report regarding the presence of CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive Toxic) substances in children's products. This initiative aims to provide support for the development of committee restriction measures to protect children from the hazards posed by CMR category 1A or 1B substances in children's products.

It is known that "Made-in-China" goes to international along with the development of China's economy. However, the growing purchasing capability and huge market potential of China capture the attention of great numbers of foreign exporters. As one of the largest markets, China has strengthened its quality surveillance on its market during recent years when competent authorities usually select some products on the China market for testing to check conformity. It deserves notice that accompanying measures (penalties, recalls, etc.) will be taken in case of any non-compliance. Manufacturers, importers and distributors to access China market had better send their products for testing prior to shipment.

GB 21027 Request in Common Use of Security for Student’s Articles provides for safety requirements, test methods, test rules, labels and instructions for use of stationery. The standard covers colour pigments, crayons, oil pastels, finger paints, plasticine, erasers, correction products (liquid, tapes and pens), adhesives, markers, exercise books, schoolbags, pencil boxes, sharpeners and other student’s articles.