How We Test Custom Toys for Safety in Australia
Last Updated: 25 July 2025
When it comes to custom printed toys, compromising safety isn’t an option. Especially when they’re designed for children or distributed at public events. At Cubic Promote, we take product safety seriously. That’s why every toy we supply undergoes strict testing to ensure it meets Australian safety regulations, including requirements outlined in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and mandatory toy standards like AS/NZS ISO 8124.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly how we test our branded toys for safety and the steps we take to protect your brand, audience, and end users—no matter how small.
Key Takeaways
- Safety Compliance: We rigorously test all custom toys against Australian safety standards, ensuring they meet all regulatory requirements.
- Thorough Testing: Each toy undergoes mechanical, chemical, and size assessments to eliminate choking hazards and toxic materials.
- High-Quality Products: We ensure that every toy is made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials, and we provide complete safety documentation on request.
- Peace of Mind: Partnering with Cubic Promote means your branded toys are safe, durable, and ready for distribution.
🛡️ Why Toy Safety Testing Matters
Personalised toys might be given away at events, in show bags, through schools, or via retail activations. But if a toy:
- Breaks easily
- Contains harmful materials
- Presents a choking or ingestion risk
What Are Safety Standards for Toys in Australia
The key regulation is AS/NZS ISO 8124, which outlines mechanical, chemical, and labelling safety requirements for toys. If the item is intended for children under 36 months, even stricter standards apply — especially concerning small parts, toxic materials, and structural integrity.
We also ensure all branded toys meet the following standards:
- Mandatory labelling and age-grading laws
- Lead and phthalate content limits
- Choking hazard prevention
- Mechanical hazard requirements (sharp points, parts, etc.)
What Types of Tests Do Custom Toys Go Through
We perform mechanical and chemical safety checks based on the toy’s type, material, and intended user age. Here’s what that includes:
✅ Drop Testing (Impact Testing)
Simulates rough handling. The toy is dropped from a set height (typically 85–100cm) multiple times onto a hard surface to check if:
- Parts snap off
- Sharp edges develop
- Internal components become accessible
- It fails if a toy breaks into pieces that present a choking or ingestion risk.
✅ Tension and Torque Tests
We twist, pull, and stretch toy components (like limbs, strings, or movable parts) to simulate real-world use — especially by toddlers and young children. The goal is to check whether:
- Small parts detach
- Joints weaken
- Seams burst
- Any piece that detaches under minimal force is flagged for further review.
✅ Material Safety Checks
We ensure materials are:
- BPA-free
- Phthalate-compliant
- Non-toxic paints and dyes
- Free of heavy metals, especially lead or cadmium
This testing is done in-house or through certified third-party labs if additional compliance documentation is required.
✅ Size and Shape Assessment
Toys intended for children under 36 months must not contain small parts that fit entirely into a testing cylinder (roughly the size of a child’s throat). This simulates the risk of choking. Any toy that passes this test will also carry the appropriate age-grading label, warning, or restriction, depending on its use.
What Toy Types Require the Most Scrutiny
Toys designed for under-3s or that contain moving parts, batteries, or gel-like substances. At Cubic Promote, we place extra emphasis on the following categories:
- Custom stress balls & squishes (watch for gel leakage risks)
- Plastic figurines or animals (check for loose limbs or detachable accessories)
- Custom Yo-yos, bouncy balls, and flying toys (check for cords and impact risks)
- Branded Plush toys (verify stitching strength, stuffing content, and facial features)
We also flag products that could be mistaken for food, such as toy lollies or scented squishes — these require careful labelling to avoid ingestion risk.
Why Choose Us for Safe, Certified Toy Promotions
We know how important it is to keep your community safe—especially when little hands are involved. At Cubic Promote, we take that responsibility seriously. Whether you’re planning a school event, council initiative, or retail campaign, you can trust us to deliver fun toys that are genuinely safe and ready to share.
Here’s how we help take the pressure off:
- We provide complete safety documentation on request—think lab reports, compliance certificates, and material breakdowns.
- Every batch is quality-checked and securely sealed before it leaves our hands.
- Clear labelling with age grading and usage warnings helps you distribute with confidence.
- We offer pre-packaged kits or individually bagged toys for smooth, safe handouts—perfect for schools, shows, or public events.
When you partner with us, you’re not just ordering custom toys—you’re choosing peace of mind for your team and community.
Prioritise Safety with Every Custom Toy
When you put your logo on a toy, you’re not just handing out fun—you’re making a statement about your brand’s values. At Cubic Promote, we take that seriously. That’s why every toy we offer, from soft plush mascots to fidget items and squeeze balls, undergo strict safety checks and compliance testing. We’re here to help you create campaigns that are not only memorable but also responsible. Call 1300 858 288 or chat with our friendly team today to source customised toys that are fun, safe, and fully certified.