Squishy toys have gained immense popularity among children and adults alike due to their soft texture, slow-rising properties, and stress-relieving effects. They are typically made from soft, foam-like materials such as polyurethane (PU) or memory foam, and are often scented with artificial fragrances to enhance their appeal.
However, as their popularity grows, so do concerns about their safety, particularly for young children.
Studies in certain countries have found that VOCs, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dimethylformamide (DMF), can irritate eyes and airways, among their other effects. Prolonged exposure can damage the liver, the kidneys, and the nervous system, and increase the risk of cancer. VOCs have also been linked to asthma or exacerbation of asthma.
In a recent reporting, a blogger in China revealed that many users had reported that they had sore throats, rotten fingers, and other symptoms after playing with such products. Further testing had revealed that the formaldehyde emission had exceeded some global safety requirements for toys.
In our previous article, Hong Kong’s Consumer Council conducted a surveillance report on the same type of products, which failed to meet safety standards on both physical/mechanical and chemical properties under the Hong Kong market’s requirements.
At SGS, our VOC services for Squishy Toys, Pop-it Toys & Pliable Bath Toys can verify that they do not contain any of the mentioned or other banned or restricted chemicals or dangerous materials. To help the industry with the need for compliance, SGS is now offering a promotion to tackle this concern.
| BY MATERIAL (UNDER DIRECTIVE 2019/1929/EU) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Item | Type of Material | Promo Offer |
| Migration of Formaldehyde | Polymeric Material | HKD 670.00 |
| Paper | HKD 490.00 | |
| Formaldehyde Content | Textiles & Leather | HKD 350.00 |
| Water-based Toy | HKD 670.00 | |
| Formaldehyde Emission | Resin-Bonded Wood | HKD 1,540.00 |
| BY ARTICLE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Item | Test Method | Promo Offer |
| Formaldehyde Content Screening | Annex XVII, Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, Entry 77 | HKD 670.00 |
| Formaldehyde Emission | HKD 1,540.00 | |
Terms & Conditions:
- This promotion is limited to SGS Hong Kong (Hardlines Laboratory)
- This promotion is valid from now until 31st July 2025
- This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with special buyer programs and/or offers
- SGS Hong Kong reserves the final right to change the terms and conditions of this service guarantee without further notice. In case of disputes, SGS's decision shall be final
SGS can assess the potential risks at every stage of the toy life cycle and manage them effectively and efficiently.
For more information, please contact our Customer Service team.
To obtain a copy of this article in PDF format, please click here.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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