Japan Toy Association publishes new toy standard ST 2016

On 1 Feb. 2016, Japan Toy Association (JTA) publishes new standard for toy safety ST 2016 amending physical and mechanical requirements and making the flammability requirements updated with ISO 8124-2:2014. The new standard is effective on 1 April 2016.
 
Back in 1971, JTA established ST Mark—a Japan mark for toy safety, which ensures the safety of toys intended for children under 14 years of age on physical, mechanical, flammability and chemical properties.
 
ST 2016 makes great adjustment to Part 1 Physical and Mechanical Properties:
1. Amendment to projectile toys;
2. New requirements for certain squeeze toys, rattles, fasteners and other toys and toy components;
3. Design guidelines for bath toy projections;
4. Clarifying regulatory standard on batteries.
 
Part 2 Flammability is in line with ISO 8124-2:2014.
 
Part 3 Chemical Requirements are identical to ST 2012 with amendment to test methods and standard liquid (please refer to the annex for more details). The new requirements has applied since 1 January 2016.
 
JTA accepts ST 2012 and ST 2014 as the standards for ST Certification Mark as of 31 March 2016. All ST certification applications shall conform to safety requirements of ST 2016 since 1 April 2016, whereas existing information complying with ST 2012 Mark can be used as of 31 March 2018.
 
ST Mark is affixed to toys or game equipment only when they comply with Japan Toy Safety Standard adopted by JTA and pass compliance tests in the designated testing bodies. C&K Testing advises more attention on the news from toy exporters.