Protecting children with AS/NZS 8124 toy safety standards – standards under review

The AS/NZS 8124 series of standards, jointly developed by Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia, plays a crucial role in ensuring that toys manufactured and available on the trans-Tasman market are safe for children.

Standards are regularly updated to reflect new research, emerging risks, and global best practices. Six standards in the range are currently under review, allowing industry and users to advise use whether they are still relevant and effective. We’re asking those that use the standards – should these be reconfirmed as relevant and still applicable? Do you see any changes that you think should be made or are there other forms of guidance you might use?

You can review the standards and provide feedback on their use here:

Standards New Zealand consultation hub – toy safety standards.(external link)

Deadline for submissions is 26 September.

Know more about the AS/NZS 8124 series of standards

Under the regulator the Commerce Commission, the Product Safety Standards (Children's Toys) Regulations 2005 uses the safety standard AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2002 Safety of toys – Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties with amendments as the official product safety standard that suppliers of children's toys must comply with.

Commerce Commission – Children’s toys(external link)

The broader AS/NZS 8124 series is a comprehensive set of 13 safety standards for toys intended for children up to 14 years of age. Based on the international ISO 8124 framework, the series covers:

• Mechanical and physical safety (e.g. choking hazards, sharp edges)
• Flammability (e.g. fire risks from materials)
• Toxicity (e.g. migration of heavy metals)
• Activity toys and ride-ons
• Age grading and labeling
• Chemical safety (e.g. organic compounds)
• Battery and electrical safety (via AS/NZS 62115)

Standards are paramount for child safety

The standards – originally based on international good practice through ISO standards – protect not just tamariki, but also parents and guardians, manufacturers, importers and retailers and regulators with sound considerations and advice on buying, making and bringing in quality toys.

Safety first - Children are naturally curious and vulnerable. AS/NZS 8124 helps prevent injuries and fatalities by addressing risks like choking, strangulation, burns, and toxic exposure.

Quality assurance - For manufacturers and retailers, compliance with AS/NZS 8124 signals that a product meets high safety and quality benchmarks. It’s a key part of fulfilling obligations under consumer protection laws and regulations.

Informed choices - Parents and caregivers rely on clear labelling and age grading to choose appropriate toys. These standards ensure that warnings and instructions are accurate and easy to understand.

Risk reduction - Non-compliant toys can lead to recalls, legal issues, and reputational damage. Adhering to AS/NZS 8124 helps businesses avoid these pitfalls and build consumer trust.

From plush toys to battery-powered gadgets, AS/NZS 8124 ensures that products are safe not just at the point of sale, but throughout their lifecycle, including normal use and foreseeable abuse. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and promotes a culture of safety and responsibility in the toy industry.

The AS/NZS series is available through Standards New Zealand.