SG 052/26
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a direct final rule updating the federal safety standard in 16 CFR part 1239 for gates and enclosures.
On April 1, 2026, CPSC issued a direct final rule revising the mandatory federal safety standard for gates and enclosures in 16 CFR part 1239. The update replaces ASTM F1004-22 with ASTM F1004-25 and applies to expansion gates and expandable enclosures designed to block openings or contain young children within a play area.
What does the regulation require?
The principal new requirement in ASTM F1004-25 is a prohibition on features or openings within a gate or enclosure that permit unassisted pet entry or egress. CPSC explains that these features often take the form of a secondary swinging or sliding door built into the lower portion of the product. The revised standard therefore bans gates and enclosures with integrated pet-access openings of that type.
CPSC concluded that the new pet opening prohibition improves safety because such openings can allow a child to escape, create head-entrapment hazards and introduce footholds that may enable climbing and falls. The agency notes that pet doors may exceed the standard’s limits for bounded openings and may not remain securely closed, thereby increasing the potential for serious injury or death.
CPSC further states that ASTM F1004-23 and ASTM F1004-25 do not change the testing requirements, equipment or protocols; consequently, accredited laboratories will evaluate these products in the same manner as before. Other obligations, including lead content, phthalates, tracking labels and consumer registration requirements, also remain in place.
Who is impacted?
The update is relevant to manufacturers, importers, product designers, test laboratories and compliance teams responsible for juvenile products sold in the US market.
When does it apply?
The revised mandatory safety standard becomes effective on July 19, 2026.
The rule can be found by clicking the link below:
Federal Register: Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures
A read-only copy of the standard is available in the ASTM reading room.
Childcare equipment and children’s furniture must meet strict safety, quality and performance requirements. With our global network of experts and laboratories, we provide testing, inspection, risk assessment and technical documentation services. We also conduct factory and social audits to ensure supply chain compliance. Contact us to learn more, or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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