CPSC accepted the industry ASTM F963 manufacturing standard as a mandatory toy standard in February 2012. The mandatory standard took effect June 12, 2012.

Attention: Magnet Sets Final Rule Vacated by Federal Court; Removed from Code of Federal Regulations. Please see Federal Register Notice for more Information. Also, the Commission has received a petition asking the Commission to issue a new rule concerning magnet sets. The Commission is seeking comments on the petition: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-10-06/pdf/2017-21534.pdf .

High-powered magnets are a safety risk to children - toddler through teen. An increasing number of incidents reported to CPSC indicate that children are swallowing these magnets and the injuries are serious. Watch This Video Watch and Share This Video on YouTube

When two or more magnets are swallowed, they attract to each other internally. Many incidents have resulted in surgeries to remove the magnets. When a magnet has to be removed surgically, it also can require repairing the child's damaged stomach and intestines.

If you suspect magnets have been swallowed:

• Seek immediate medical attention

• Medical symptoms to watch for are: abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

• In X-rays, multiple magnetic pieces may appear as a single object.

These high-powered magnets are not the magnets off your grandfather's refrigerator door. They are up to eight times stronger than magnets that are used in toys.

Where can I find additional information?

For more information, please contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Office of Compliance (for specific enforcement inquires): e-mail: section15@cpsc.gov; telephone: (800) 638-2772. Small Business Ombudsman (for general assistance understanding and complying with CPSC regulations): e-mail: Please use our Contact Form, which is the best way to get a fast response; telephone: (888) 531-9070.

The Safety Guides, Safety Alerts, and Neighborhood Safety Network posters listed below are available to download from CPSC’s website.

CPSC Safety Alerts and Neighborhood Safety Network posters are not available to order. If you would like to use these safety publications, they are free to download and print.

View all CPSC safety publications.