SG 123/26
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has revised its standard specifying test methods for determining the total concentration of eight elements in toys.
ISO has issued ISO 8124-5:2026 ‘Safety of Toys – Part 5: Determination of total concentration of certain elements in toys’. This second edition of the standard describes procedures for sampling toy materials and components and analyzing the total content of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium. It also allows laboratories to validate the methods for use beyond the listed elements.
What does this standard require?
Key changes in ISO 8124-5:2026 include:
- Updating several terms, including ‘method detection limit (MDL)’ and ‘method blank’
- Replacing reverse aqua regia (1:3 mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3) with acid mixture A (1:9 mixture of HCl and HNO3) for the digestion of non-metallic toy materials to minimize polyatomic interference
- Revising the criteria for selecting digestion mixtures from being based on the final quantification instrument (ICP-OES or ICP-MS) to being based on the type of test part or sample material
- Providing an example of a microwave digestion temperature program, including time and temperature, for metallic and non-metallic materials
- Adding finger paints to specified acceptable MDLs
- Updating the rationale for selecting acid mixtures for digestion (Annex A.3)
- Providing an option to add hydrofluoric acid to acid mixture A for complete digestion of paint and rubber materials
- Introducing Annex B by outlining an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) method for screening the eight specified elements in plastic toys[
Who is impacted?
ISO 8124-5:2026 affects stakeholders across the toy supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries. This standard may be used to determine whether migration testing is required under ISO 8124-3 or equivalent standards, such as EN 71-3 or ASTM F963. It may also support assessments of compliance with regulatory requirements that restrict the total concentration of certain elements.
When does it apply?
ISO 8124-5:2026 cancels and replaces ISO 8124-5:2015. The second edition applies from August 2026.
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.
