On August 5, 2026, the CPSC issued the latest consumer safety alert, warning of multiple serious safety risks posed by Fake and Counterfeit Squishy Toys.
▶The counterfeit soft toy products available on the market may not meet the federal safety standards, and there is a risk of excessive levels of harmful substances such as water beads, small parts, lead, and phthalates.
▶CPSC also reiterated the risk of severe burns that could result from the "microwave oven heating squishy toys" trend on social media.
▶Some squishy toys contain water beads or other gels, liquids, powders, or sand. If the outer covering tears or bursts, children may be exposed to the contents. Water beads can expand after being swallowed and cause intestinal blockages, choking, aspiration, or injuries when inserted into the nose or ear. Other unknown filling materials may present chemical exposure, inhalation, or ingestion hazards.
▶Fake and counterfeit squishy toys may also:
• break or tear during foreseeable use, releasing small parts or hazardous filling material;
• contain excessive levels of lead, prohibited phthalates, or other hazardous chemicals;
• fail to comply with federal requirements governing water beads;
• lack required warnings, age grading, tracking information, or manufacturer identification; and
• be sold without the testing and certification required for children’s products.
Previously, the CPSC had issued a safety alert regarding water bead toys, stating that these toys pose a fatal threat to children aged 3 and below. If children ingest the leaked water beads, they can easily cause severe injuries such as intestinal obstruction due to swelling when exposed to water.
Focus on core risks:
Water bead toys：If swallowed by mistake, it can expand in the digestive tract, leading to intestinal obstruction, suffocation, and even life-threatening situations.
VOC/TVOC：Long
term exposure can not only affect the central nervous system, leading to dizziness and lethargy, but may also damage the liver and hematopoietic function.
Benzene: It is mutagenic and carcinogenic. Prolonged exposure may cause digestive tract burns and skin irritation.
Formaldehyde: a Class 1 carcinogen identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, nasopharyngeal cancer, etc.
Phthalates: commonly used as plasticizers to make toys more flexible. These substances can interfere with the human endocrine system and affect children's growth and development.
Formamide: Classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant by the European Union, long-term accumulation may affect the reproductive system and cause chronic liver and kidney damage.
CTT reminds：
Product safety compliance is the lifeline for the survival and development of enterprises.
As a professional testing institution, CTT possesses the capability to test chemical items such as VOC/TVOC, benzene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and formamide. We can provide you with professional compliance solutions and testing services, helping you seize market opportunities and respond to new regulations with stability!
Original link:
CPSC Warns Consumers About Fake and Counterfeit Squishy Toys：
PSC "Water bead toys" Safety Alert:
Safety/EMC/Wireless
Inspection & Audit
Testing/Compliance/Consultation
(USA & CANADA)
