On July 11, 2018, the Health Canada published amendments SOR/2018-138 in the Canada Gazette, Part II for the toys safety standard SOR/2011-17. The amendment will come into force after six months after the publication date.

The amendment set out new requirements for magnet toys to align with the EU & U.S. toy safety standards, and re-edit some definitions and test requirements. Details as below:

1)Section 1 –definitions
These definitions are replaced：

2)Section 37 -Shaft-like handle
The requirement is replaced

A pull or push toy that has a shaft-like handle that measures 10 mm or less in diameter must have a protective tip that is placed on the end of the handle to prevent puncture wounds and that is able to withstand a pulling force of 44.5 N
A pull and push toy that has a shaft-like handle that measures 10 mm (3/8 inch) or less in diameter must have a protective tip that is placed on the end of the handle to prevent puncture wounds and that is able to withstand a pulling force of 44.5 N (10 pounds).

3) Subsection 38(3) of the current version is repealed.

38(3) .For the purposes of subsection (1), “toy” means a product that is intended for use by a child in play.

4) Adding the following requirements after section 42 of the current version:

Magnetic force:
Section 43. Every magnetic toy and any of its magnetic components, including those magnetic components that become separated from the magnetic toy or magnetic component when tested in accordance with Schedule 9, that can be totally enclosed in the small parts cylinder, as illustrated in Schedule 1, using a force of not more than 4.45 N, must have a magnetic flux index of less than 0.5 T2mm2, when tested in accordance with Schedule 10.

Exceptions:

Section 44. (1) Section 43 does not apply to the following magnetic components:
(a) those that are necessary for the operation of motors, relays, speakers and other electrical or electronic components in a magnetic toy, provided that the magnetic properties are not part of the play or learning pattern of the toy; and

(b) subject to subsection (2), those that are part of a kit intended for carrying out educational experiments involving both magnetism and electricity and intended for a child of at least 8 years of age.

Warning — container and instructions for use
(2) The following warning or its equivalent must be displayed prominently and legibly in English and French on the kit’s container and instructions:
WARNING! Not suitable for children under 8 years of age. This kit contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if a magnet may have been swallowed.

5)Add the following schedules：
Schedule 9-Test Method for Integrity of Magnetic Toys and Magnetic Components
Schedule 10-Test Method for Determination of Magnetic Flux Index

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