Would an animal-shaped bath sponge be considered a toy and require toy testing under ASTM F 963-08?
A4: Such products which are specifically marketed as and are clearly known as bath sponges are intended for cleansing purposes during a child’s bath. The small parts regulation, 16 CFR 1501, specifically exempts “grooming, feeding and hygiene products, such as diaper pins and clips, barrettes, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, dishes and eating utensils.” Sponges could fall under this exemption. They’re not considered toys, but they are children’s products and would need to meet the applicable requirements for children’s products. The sponges therefore would not fall under the scope of ASTM F 963-08, but they would fall under the scope of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which includes torque and tension testing.
