Australia published New Mandatory Safety Standard for Aquatic Toys (2026)

Vol. 1546 | 01 Jul 2026

Australia has updated its mandatory safety standard for aquatic toys, replacing the 2020 version with new requirements effective from June 26, 2026. The standard reinforces warning labels, product scope, and alignment with ISO-based toy safety clauses to reduce drowning risks.

On June 25, 2026, Australia has officially updated the Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2026 to better protect young children from water-related hazards.

This legislative instrument repeals and replaces the previous 2020 safety standard. Its core objective is to prevent child drowning incidents by targeting product failures and ensuring clear consumer communication.

Covered products

An aquatic toy is explicitly defined as a toy designed to:

• Bear the mass of a child under the age of 14.
• Be used for play in shallow water.

These can be inflatable or non-inflatable, and they can be items worn or attached to the body.

The safety standard explicitly does not apply to beach balls, surfboards, bodyboards, kickboards, inflatable air beds, or larger inflatable boats intended strictly for use in deep water.

Alignment with Modern Global Standards

The 2026 standard updated the mandatory standards. To comply with the new mandatory standard, suppliers must ensure their aquatic toys meet either of the following:

• Relevant version of AS/NZS ISO 8124.1: Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties, clause 4.20.
• Relevant version of ISO 8124-1: Safety of toys - Part 1: Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties, clause 4.20.

Furthermore, to maintain high legibility, all required safety warnings must be:

• Written in English.
• Clearly legible and visible.
• Indelible.

Effective Date and Transitional Arrangements

The Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2026 is effective from June 26, 2026.

The government has built in a 24-month transitional period starting from the commencement date. During the transitional period, suppliers can sell aquatic toys that comply with either the newly 2026 standard or the 2020 standard. Once this transitional period end, all aquatic toys supplied to the Australian market must fully conform to the 2026 requirements.

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