Magnets in toys
If you manufacture, import or sell toys containing magnets in NSW this information is essential for your business.
The NSW Products Safety Committee conducted an inquiry into the safety of toys containing magnets following numerous incidents in Australia and overseas where children sustained serious internal injuries after swallowing small powerful magnets that had come loose from toys.
As a result from 1 March 2010 the Fair Trading Amendment (Magnetic Toys) Regulation 2009 requires all toys, for children under the age of 14 years, that contain one or more hazardous magnets to comply with the requirements of clause 4.28 of the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2002 (as in force on 20 February 2009).
The requirements do not apply to magnets used in motors, relays, speakers, electrical components or other devices that are not part of the play pattern of the toy.
What is a hazardous magnet?
A hazardous magnet is a magnet with a strength measured as having a flux index greater than 50kG2 mm2 when tested in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 8124. 1: 2002 and is of a certain size and shape.
The following size and shapes determine a hazardous magnet:
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a cylinder with a length of not more than 32mm and a diameter of not more than 11mm
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a disk with a diameter of not more than 26mm and a thickness of not more than 5mm
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a sphere with a diameter of not more than 22mm
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any solid that will fit entirely within the volume or envelope of any of the above defined shapes.
A hazardous magnetic component is any part of a toy with the size and shape of a hazardous magnet that contains an attached or embedded magnet of the strength of a hazardous magnet.
Warning statement required
The Regulation requires toys with loose hazardous magnets or hazardous magnetic components to carry the following or similar statement on the packaging and instructions of the toys.
| Warning! The product contains small magnet(s). Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnet(s) are swallowed or inhaled. |
The Regulation also requires toys that contain a hazardous magnet or hazardous magnetic component not to liberate the magnet when tested for normal use and reasonably foreseeable abuse in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 8124. 1: 2002.
Whether you are a retailer, distributor, or importer, you are responsible for ensuring that toys containing magnets you supply comply with this regulation.
Failure to do so is an offence under the Fair Trading Act 1987 and the maximum penalty is $22,000 for an individual or $110,000 for a corporation. You may also be required to conduct a recall of any non-compliant toys containing magnets detected.
If you require more information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or email: product.safety@services.nsw.gov.au