The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has been tracking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health‘s (CDRH) thinking on the safety of lasers and laser diodes used in kids’ toy products. Most laser-like toys on the market employ harmless LED lights to simulate lasers; however, any toy that uses actual laser technology and falls under current FDA definitions for laser products must comply with FDA rules for low power lasers.
Currently, FDA regulations do not address toy laser products specifically manufactured, designed, intended, or promoted for use by children under 14 years of age. In June of 2013, the CDRH proposed changes to its laser regulations with a draft rule defining children’s toy laser products and requiring them to be within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Class 1 emission limits.
According to a CDRH guidance document released on December 19, it is recommended that manufacturers producing children’s laser products meet the current FDA Class 1 or IEC Class 1 emission limits, in order to minimize the risk they pose to users and/or others in range of the laser beam. In a recent press release, the TIA argued that although the guidance is non-binding, the FDA could initiate enforcement action against products that do not comply with the recommendations.
