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US: High chair standard ASTM F404-18a published

JANUARY 2019 - Relevant for: TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

On 15 January 2019, the standard ASTM F404-18a¹ on safety specification for high chair was published. In this revision, certain high chairs and high chairs accessories are temporarily excluded from the stability requirements under section 6.5. However, this measure will be revaluated once the test methods are developed.

The exemption includes high chairs and high chair accessories that are used only by children who are unable to sit upright unassisted and weigh 20 lb (9.1 kg) or less. However, a specific warning is required to alert consumers using these types of high chairs for child who is able to sit upright unassisted or weighs more than 20 lb (9.1 kg).

ASTM F404 defines a high chair as “a free standing chair for a child up to 3 years of age which has a seating surface more than 15 in. above the floor and elevates the child normally for the purposes of feeding or eating.” It further specifies that a high chair may be sold with or without a tray, have adjustable heights, or recline for infants.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA)² section 104 requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue standard for durable infant or toddler products including high chair. The previous standard ASTM F404-18 was published by the Commission as mandatory standard for high chairs under 16 CFR 1231³, and becomes effective on 19 June this year.

[1] ASTM F404-18a standard

[2] Statute of CPSIA

[3] USA: CPSC publishes final rule on safety standard for high chairs, June 2018