Toy Testing

There is much concern about the presence of potentially toxic chemicals in items that are in frequent contact with children. Of particular recent concern has been the presence of lead in toys and coatings on toys. Numerous items have been recalled from the marketplace as a result of the new concerns.

Even the California State Health department had to recall a lunch bag that had been given to students to encourage healthy eating habits. This item was recalled due to lead in the coloring of the bag.

Truesdail's ACLASS, ISO/IEC Guide 17025 accredited testing program can provide the analytical data required to meet the Consumer Products Safety Commission's (CPSC) requirements, and we have been listed on the CPSC Website as an approved testing laboratory.

Truesdail's ANSI ISO/IEC Guide 65 accredited certification program can not only test for lead and other toxins, but can also evaluate and certify the entire production process, and maintain listings of approved items.

Common Specifications

While lead is of primary concern, the Truesdail testing program can test for an certify products for the broad spectrum of toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, hexavelent chromium, beryllium, etc. Truesdail employs the product testing protocols such as are in the Consumer Product Safety Commission Policies.


"Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Lead (Pb) in Paint and Other Similar Surface Coatings"

  • CPSC-CH-E 1003-09

"Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Lead (Pb) in Children's Metal Products (Including Children's Metal Jewelry)"

  • CPSC-CH-E 1001-08

"Interim Enforcement Policy Lead Levels"

  • CPSC 2/14/2005
  • CPSC-CH-E 1002-8

"Lead Result"

  • 16 CFR Part 1303

"Lead in Childrens Non-Metal Products"

  • CPSC-CH-E 1002-8

"Specifications to Minimize Hazards to Children from Residual Surface Coating Materials"

  • ANSI 266.1

"Determining Constituents Classified as Hazardous Contained in Protective Coatings"

  • ASTM D3630


In addition to toxic metals, several states (for example: California AB 1108, 2002) have passed legislation limiting the amount of phthalate plasticizers that may be contained in products intended for children. Truesdail can test and certify such products under the scope of our ANSI accreditation.

"Standard Operating Procedure for Determination of Phthalates"

  • CPSC-CH-E 1001-0901

"Determining of Phthalates in Polyvinyl Chloride Consumer Products"

  • Health Canada Test Method C-34

"Small Parts (Choking Hazard)"

  • 16 CFR Part 1501

Third Party Certification

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a program to accredit a third-party product certification program. This program allows organizations to certify products as meeting defined standards or specifications.

To be accredited, certifying organizations must meet the requirements of the ISO/IEC Guide 65 which includes undergoing a formal evaluation process and annual, thorough on-site audits by ANSI.

For over 75 years Truesdail Laboratories has provided "third party" independent testing of products, materials and environmental samples. We have approvals from several organizations including EPA, the California State Department of Public Health, and many more. Truesdail received ANSI approval of our certification program in January 1997. In 2009 we expanded our certification program to be in compliance with ISO/IEC Guide 17025 requirements.

The Truesdail certification program requires an inspection be made of the entire production and quality control program of a client, and requires an on-going testing and audit program be established before a formal certification is issued.

Certification Marks

ANSI requires that organizations accredited to certify products have an official certification mark that is registered with the US Patent office. An example of Truesdail Laboratories certification mark can be seen below.

ANSI allows products and packaging that are certified by independent certifying organizations to bear a certification mark along with text that defines the specifications being met.

Would the marketability of your product be improved with a seal like this on the product or its packaging?

ANSI/ACLASS is accrediting the testing portion of our program for compliance with ISO/IEC Guide 17025 requirements. All testing data generated is acceptable for CPSC compliance reporting and/or certification. You can view Truesdail's CPSC listing here.

Truesdail will also provide testing just for CPSC compliance reporting.