SG 191/25
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approves mandatory federal safety standard for neck floats, adding performance and labeling requirements under 16 CFR 1250.5.
On December 15, 2025, the CPSC published a consumer product safety standard for neck floats to prevent infant deaths and injuries from drowning. The rule creates 16 CFR 1250.5 within the toy regulation and adds neck floats to the Notice of Requirements. It will become effective on June 15, 2026, applying to neck floats manufactured after that date.
The standard covers neck floats intended for children up to and including four years of age for use in sinks, baths, paddling pools and swimming pools. US Coast Guard-approved lifesaving devices (including neck-attached devices) are excluded.
Key performance requirements:
1. Conditioning prior to testing:
- Thermal
- Chlorinated saltwater
- UV exposure
Inflatable neck floats are deflated during conditioning
2. Minimum buoyancy:
Neck floats must provide ≥30% of the expected weight capacity and, for inherently buoyant components, lose ≤5% of initial buoyancy after submergence, tested using ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-9 (with modifications, including inflation to 0.1 ± 0.01 PSIG where applicable).
3. Restraint systems:
Fasteners must either use a double-action release (two simultaneous distinct actions) or be single-action requiring ≥50 N to release. Restraint systems must comply with ASTM F833-21 Sec. 6.4.4 when tested per Sec. 7.5.1. The test is designed to prevent unintentional release during use.
4. Neck opening:
The opening must not admit a specified head probe when subjected to a dynamic swinging test.
In addition to ASTM F963 toy labeling, the rule mandates enhanced warnings and formatting that conform to ANSI/NEMA Z535.4-2023 (with ‘shall’ substitutions). Warnings must appear in English at minimum, on the principal display panel, with contrast, minimum sizes, bulleting and layout controls. Required message content emphasizes that children have died while using neck floats, that the neck opening can expand even if snug, that children can drown in as little as one inch of water, and to check for leaks and avoid use of inflatable neck floats with leaks. Labels must also include the intended age and weight.
Action for companies:
- Conduct gap analyses against 16 CFR 1250.5
- Plan redesign/retooling where needed
- Update labels and instructions
- Engage CPSC-accepted labs to qualify test methods ahead of the compliance date
Optimize your potential, reach new markets, and streamline every step of the toy life cycle while supporting sustainability and reducing the risk of non-compliance, recalls and delays, with our one-stop-shop solution for compliance. Our global network of experts, laboratories and accreditations help you access the world’s toy markets effectively and efficiently. Contact us to learn more, or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. This publication or website is a property of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. All contents including website designs, text, and graphics contained herein are owned by or licensed to SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. The information provided is for technical and general information purposes only and offers no legal advice. The information is no substitute for professional legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. All information is provided in good faith “as is”, and SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, and does not warrant that the information will be error-free or meet any particular criteria of performance or quality.
