Scope
Water beads in toys — loose or sealed inside stress balls and squishies — must not expand beyond 5.0 mm. The rule took effect 12 March 2026.
Labels and CPC
Warning text is mandatory and the Children's Product Certificate must cite the section.
Fills that pass
TPR gel, PU foam, silicone and solid micro-beads.
What to ask
Request the expansion test result and a written no-water-bead statement.
Source: U.S. CPSC recall notices of 3 Sept 2026 and 16 CFR 1250.4 (Federal Register, 12 Dec 2025).