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The 16 CFR 1250.4 Water-Bead Rule: A Plain-English Guide for Toy Importers

Published 2026-09-06 · by Seajoy Squishy team

The 16 CFR 1250.4 Water-Bead Rule: A Plain-English Guide for Toy Importers — squishy wholesale guide

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.

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Fills that pass

TPR gel, PU foam, silicone and solid micro-beads.

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What to ask

Request the expansion test result and a written no-water-bead statement.

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Tell us the shape, texture and packaging you need. Send us the shape, texture and packaging tier and we come back with FOB price, MOQ and lead time.

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Source: U.S. CPSC recall notices of 3 Sept 2026 and 16 CFR 1250.4 (Federal Register, 12 Dec 2025).

Key Takeaways

Tooled Designs You Can Sample

Every design below has an existing mould, so samples ship without new tooling time.

Jumbo Pink Mint Donut

Creamy Silicone

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Jumbo Hot Dog Giant

Slow-Rise PU Foam

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Adorable Blue Donut

Slow-Rise PU Foam

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Crystal-Clear Jellyfish

Transparent Crystal

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Frog Energy Can

Creamy Silicone

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Cake Cat Paw

Slow-Rise PU Foam

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Kittty Donut

Slow-Rise PU Foam

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Six Seven 67 Goober

Creamy Silicone

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Browse all 175 designs >>

Further Reading for Importers

Squishy Trends 2026 for Importers: What the Top-Ranked Sites Are Selling

A read of five leading squishy sites — 1,600 products — to see which shapes, textures and formats are growing.

Read the guide >>

Are Squishies Safe? A 12-Point Safety Checklist for Buyers

A printable checklist covering fill, seams, small parts, labelling and documents. Written for importers, not for parents

Read the guide >>

Squishy Recalls and What Importers Should Learn From Them

Squishy recalls follow patterns. Understanding the pattern tells you which questions protect you on the next order.

Read the guide >>

Four Questions to Put to Any Supplier

Ask thisWhy it matters
Which standard does the report cover?Ask for the report number and the issuing laboratory, and check the report covers this exact design, not only the material.
What is in the fill?For gel pieces, ask in writing that no water beads are used and request the expansion test result under 16 CFR 1250.4.
What is the measured weight?Weight tells you density and density tells you durability. A supplier who cannot give it has not measured it.
How is the carton packed?Pieces per carton, carton dimensions and CBM per 1,000 pieces decide your freight cost per piece.