Aquatic toys mandatory standard

Products the mandatory standard applies to

The mandatory standard applies to inflatable and non-inflatable aquatic toys. This includes items that can be worn or attached to the body.

These aquatic toys are:

• able to bear the mass of a child under the age of 14
• to use in play in shallow water by a child.

Aquatic toys can include but aren’t limited to:

• inflatable novelty shapes
• inflatable toy boats for shallow water
• unattached rings — complete or partial.

There’s a separate mandatory standard for swimming and flotation aids. Aquatic toys are not swimming and flotation aids.

Products the mandatory standard does not apply to

The mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:

• beach balls
• bodyboards
• kickboards
• surfboards
• inflatable air beds
• inflatable boats for deep water.

Complying with the mandatory standard

These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of serious injury or death to children from drowning.

Design and construction

Inflatable aquatic toys must meet design and construction requirements set out in the mandatory standard:

• air inlets of inflatable aquatic toys must have non-return valves (a valve that permits air to flow in one direction) with stoppers permanently attached to the toy
• when the toy is inflated, the stopper must be capable of being pushed into the toy so that it does not stand out more than 5 mm from the surface of the toy.

Warning requirements

Aquatic toys must have a permanent warning on them as required by the mandatory standard.

The warning statement must state that this is not a life saving device, followed by a warning that the toy should only be used in shallow water under supervision.

Advertising copy or graphics shouldn’t say or imply that a child will be safe if left unsupervised with an aquatic toy.

When a product does not comply

Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.

Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.

See also

Swimming and flotation aids mandatory standard

Toys used in water and swimming pools consumer guidance

DEHP in children’s plastic items ban