Mandatory requirements for water bead toys came into force on March 12, 2026. The Federal Safety Standard for Water Beads (Final Rule) amends the Safety Standard for Toys, 16 C.F.R. Part 1250 (Toy Standard), by adding performance and labeling requirements “to eliminate or adequately reduce the risk of injury and death to children from water bead toy hazards,” including aspiration, choking, ingestion, and insertion hazards, as well as to reduce exposure to acrylamide.
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