How to read a toy's age grade
The age on the box is the maker's grade. Here is what it means.
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Who sets the age grade
The maker sets a toy's age grade. CPSC staff publish Age Determination Guidelines and say they "are not a mandatory rule"; they "present CPSC staff's views on age grading." CPSC staff say: "Accurate age labels provide parents and other consumers with guidance for selecting age-appropriate products for children."
How the small parts rule judges intended age
For the small parts rule, 16 CFR 1501.2 lists factors such as the maker's stated intent, the advertising, promotion, and marketing of the article, and "whether the article is commonly recognized as being intended for children under 3."
Ages the rules name
The rules and CPSC name ages for specific purposes: children "under 3" in the small parts rule, "children under 14 years of age" in CPSC's toy definition, "children 12 years of age or younger" for children's products that need third-party testing, and "children 6 years old and younger" in the button battery rule. These are rule thresholds, not an age for any product.
Read the box, then think about the home
CPSC says to follow the age guidance and other safety information on a toy's packaging. In its shopping advice, CPSC also says to consider the ages of all children in the home.
What we do not do
We do not give an age for any toy or kit type, and we do not say any product suits a particular child.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources: CPSC staff, Age Determination Guidelines (2020, PDF); eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1501, Small Parts; CPSC, Toys (Safety Education Center); CPSC news release, CPSC Reminds Early Holiday Shoppers to Follow These Top Safety Tips (October 18, 2022); CPSC, Toy Safety Business Guidance; eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1263, Safety Standard for Button Cell or Coin Batteries.
FAQ
General information only, for adults choosing toys for children. We do not test, certify, or rate any product, and we do not say any toy or kit is safe or right for a particular child or age. Before you buy or use one, read the maker's age grade, warnings, and instructions, follow any adult supervision directions, and check for recalls at cpsc.gov/Recalls. Keep small parts, magnets, button and coin batteries, and kit chemicals away from young children. A swallowed magnet, button battery, or coin battery needs medical help right away; do not delay. If you think a child swallowed or touched something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: small parts
What counts as a small part.
