Children's jewellery with magnets must keep small, strong magnets from coming loose, because two or more swallowed magnets can attract each other through the intestine walls and cause serious injury. In the US, ASTM F2923 sets magnet requirements for children's jewellery, using the same flux limit as the toy standard. In the EU and UK, jewellery that counts as a toy must meet toy safety rules, which include magnet tests.
The simplest answer for children's ranges is often to avoid magnetic clasps altogether.
How magnets are judged
Labs look at two things. First, whether a magnet small enough to swallow can come loose after the piece is used and abused, through tests that twist, pull, drop and soak it. Second, how strong the magnet is, measured as a flux index. Under the US toy standard ASTM F963, a loose magnet that fits in the small parts cylinder must have a flux index below 50 kG²mm².
A strong magnet that stays firmly fixed inside a piece can be acceptable. A strong magnet that can be prised out is not.
Where magnets show up in jewellery
- Magnetic clasps on necklaces and bracelets.
- Magnetic earrings that clip on without piercing.
- Magnetic charm or interchangeable pendant systems.
- Therapy or "wellness" bracelets sold with magnets.
Rules keep moving
US federal rules on small, powerful magnets have changed in recent years and have been challenged in court, and other countries, including Australia, have their own restrictions. Before you test, ask your lab which magnet requirements apply in your market at that moment and which version of the standard it will use.
For adult jewellery, magnets are less tightly regulated, but a retailer may still ask for warnings or for magnet strength data, especially if the piece could appeal to children.
What this means for a buyer
For children's jewellery, use mechanical clasps where you can. If you need magnets, specify how they are fixed, have the design tested for magnet strength and detachment, and check each production lot. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We check how Rajkot makers fix magnets and stones, arrange testing at accredited labs and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.