Projectile toys mandatory standard

Products the mandatory standard applies to

A projectile toy is a toy that can launch a projectile, such as toy guns, or bow and arrow sets.

The mandatory standard applies to projectile toys that are:

• supplied new
• designed or intended for use in play by children under 14.

Complying with the mandatory standard

Design and construction

A projectile toy must comply with the relevant sections in one of the following 4 standards:

• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2019 Safety of toys Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties (including amendments 1 and 2)
• European Standard EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018 Safety of toys - Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
• International Standard ISO 8124.1:2018 Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties (including amendments 1 and 2)
• American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety Application for Toy Safety.

These standards set out the requirements for the design and construction of a projectile toy, including:

• the maximum force a projectile can be launched
• protective measures for projectiles that present a skin puncture hazard
• the size of projectiles
• features to prevent improvised projectiles from being launched in a dangerous manner.

Warning requirements

If a projectile toy can launch a projectile more than 300 mm or with a kinetic energy greater than 0.08 joules, the packaging or instructions accompanying the projectile toy must include a statement like this:

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

Toys that shoot objects or launch projectiles guide