---
title: "What periodic testing must manufacturers perform on children's products? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/product-safety/childrens-product-periodic-testing
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-28
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What periodic testing must manufacturers perform on children's products? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 16 CFR 1107.21, all manufacturers of children's products (as defined under the CPSIA) must conduct periodic testing performed by a third-party conformity assessment body, such as a CPSC-accepted testing laboratory accredited under ISO/IEC 17025. The default rule under paragraph (b) requires annual periodic testing at least once every 12 months. Manufacturers may instead use paragraph (c) biannual testing (every 24 months) with an approved production testing plan, or paragraph (d) triennial testing (every 36 months) using an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratory.

## Details / How it works

Under 16 CFR 1107.21, manufacturers of children's products must conduct periodic testing to verify continued compliance with applicable children's product safety rules codified in 16 CFR parts 1000–1699 (including lead content, phthalates, flammability, and small parts). All periodic testing must be performed by a third-party conformity assessment body. Manufacturers must select representative product samples, develop a periodic testing plan, and choose one of the three testing intervals provided in paragraphs (b), (c), or (d). Component part testing under 16 CFR part 1109 may also be used to support the periodic testing requirements.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Testing Option | Maximum Testing Interval | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (paragraph b) | 12 months (365 days) | Default rule; periodic testing plan required |
| Biannual (paragraph c) | 24 months | Approved production testing plan required |
| Triennial (paragraph d) | 36 months | ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratory required |

CPSC may require a manufacturer to revert to annual testing if the chosen option fails to provide a high degree of assurance of compliance.

## Exceptions & edge cases

- If a production testing plan under paragraph (c) or triennial testing under paragraph (d) fails to provide a high degree of assurance, the CPSC may require the manufacturer to meet the annual periodic testing requirements of paragraph (b) or modify its testing plan.
- At each manufacturing site, the manufacturer must have a periodic testing plan specific to each children's product manufactured at that site.
- The manufacturer must document the procedure used to select representative product samples and the basis for inferring compliance of untested products.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. Government Publishing Office / Consumer Product Safety Commission — 16 CFR 1107.21 — Periodic testing requirements for children's products · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/section-1107.21 · as of 2026-08-28