The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has declared that toys requiring button cell/coin batteries still pose a danger to small children. Ingestion of these batteries cause serious hazards to children six years and under.

  • The government agency has proposed a revision to the current rule to add performance and labelling requirements for battery-operated toys containing button cell or cell batteries.
  • In 2023, CPSC mandated safety standards for products with such batteries, but, initially, the mandates did not apply to toys, if they followed the Toy Standard. In evaluations since then, the CPSC has declared that these standards are not sufficient in reducing the risk of ingestion and are not stringent enough with non-toy products.

Both suppliers and distributors in the promotional products industry should be aware that these batteries are used in many types of products, such as a variety of toys, wireless video game controllers, musical greeting cards and keyless entry remotes.

“The proposed new mandates involving button cell batteries will be one of many topics discussed at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit,” says Rachel Zoch PPAI’s public affairs manager and research editor. “The new requirements would align the existing standard with the more recent Reese’s Law. Compliance will require a solid understanding of both.”

Affected or interested parties have until October 15, 2024, to submit comments on the proposed regulations before a final decision is made. The current proposal would require any toy or product with these batteries to adhere to:

  • Captive fasteners requirement.
  • Minimum battery compartment threaded attachment requirements.
  • Sequential use and abuse test requirements. This includes stress relief test, battery replacement test, drop test and tip over test, impact test, crush test, torque, tension and compression tests and compliance verification test.
  • 16 CFR 1263.3 packaging, markings, product markings and general instructions requirements

Product Responsibility Summit To Feature CPSC Chair

If there is any confusion surrounding the CPSC’s proposal, the man in charge of the agency will be at PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit.

Alexander Hoehn-Saric, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), will speak at Summit, which will take place September 22-24 in Alexandria, Virginia. Hoehn-Saric’s session will include a Q&A format. Attendees who have specific questions – including any concerning the proposal on button cell batteries – for the government official can send them to rick.brenner@productsafetyadvisors.com.

Anyone interested in attending PPAI’s Product Responsibility Summit can still register by clicking here.