Age Grading and Age Labelling on Toy Packages

Virtually all toy packages include suggested ages for use. The child's chronological age, physical size, skill level and maturity, as well as safety, are taken into consideration in developing age labels for different types of toys.
In order to help manufacturers achieve a greater degree of consistency in age grading practices and age labelling toy packages, a set of age grading guidelines has been included in AS/NZ 8124. Because children develop at different rates and vary in their interests and skills, package age labelling is intended to give the consumer a general guideline upon which to base toy selections. Typical designations might be "Recommended for children from eighteen months to three years" or "Not recommended for children under three years of age." However, there is no substitute, at any age for appropriate adult supervision.

Required Cautionary Labelling

Specific labelling requirements imposed by AS/NZ 8124 cover such products as crib gyms, electrically-operated toys, chemistry sets, swim-aids and such toy features as functional points and edges (paper doll scissors and toy sewing kits needles, for example). Cautionary labels must be bold, legible and conspicuous, and printed in contrasting colour. Should a manufacturer misrepresent compliance with AS/NZ 8124 the company is subject to prosecution.

Further Toy Safety Information can be found here.