Unlike conventional gel-filled versions, sand-filled squishy toys pose primary risks related to the source of raw minerals, fibrous impurities, fine powder release, and batch stability.  

On May 21, 2026, the CPSC recalled approximately 121,340 units of Orb Funkee sand-filled squeeze toys due to potential presence of fibrous actinolite—commonly known as asbestos—in the filling material of certain models and date codes.  

This incident underscores a critical lesson for cross-border sellers: natural mineral raw materials must be evaluated not only by cost and tactile feel but also through traceability of origin, batch, and composition.  

I. What should be verified in sand-filled products?

1. First, check if your product is affected by recalls

Sellers should immediately verify the following details:  

• Brand  

• Model number  

• Appearance  

• Date code  

• Supplier  

• Source of filling sand  

If your product matches any official recall criteria, cease sales immediately and follow recall procedures for all in-stock and sold items.  

2. Assess finished products according to children’s toy standards

If the sand-filled squishy toy qualifies as a children’s toy, it must still meet full compliance with ASTM F963-23 and other applicable requirements. Key considerations include: 

• Filling material

• Cleanliness of liquids, gels, or powders

• Squeeze toys

• Bean bag or filled toys

• Abuse and reasonable use testing

• Small parts

• Lead and phthalates

• Mechanical strength and outer shell integrity

Screening for mineral risks cannot replace comprehensive children’s toy testing.  

3. Conduct specialized analysis based on raw material risk

For filling sands with unknown origins, changed mineral sources, missing compositional data, or similar supply chain risks to recalled products, consider commissioning a qualified laboratory to perform dedicated tests for asbestos or mineral fibers.  

Such specialized screening should be conducted proactively based on actual raw material risks and integrated into supply chain management—not merely performed after product listings are removed.  

II. Major risks associated with sand-filled products

1. Mineral impurities are often hidden

Natural mineral raw materials may contain various impurities depending on their source, mining region, and processing methods. Some fibers and fine powders are difficult to detect visually and could become airborne once the outer shell ruptures.  

2. Significant variation across batches

The risk profile of sand-filled products depends not only on design but also on mineral source, supplier, screening process, cleaning method, particle size, batch consistency, and whether recycled materials are mixed in. A single test result may not cover long-term production variations in sourcing and suppliers.  

3. Outer shell failure amplifies raw material risks

Even if the filling sand has passed testing, the strength of the outer shell, edge sealing, and structural integrity under normal and abusive use must still be assessed. Once the shell breaks, children may come into contact with, inhale, or ingest the filling material.  

III. Common compliance gaps among sellers

1. Relying directly on generic supplier reports

Supplier reports that do not clearly link to specific mineral sources, batches, models, or finished products cannot prove that current ASINs use the same raw materials.  

2. Testing only the outer shell, ignoring filling sand

Some sellers provide only lead and phthalate test results for the outer soft plastic layer but lack documentation on the supplier, mineral source, and batch information for the filling sand.  

3. Focusing solely on mineral risks while overlooking standard toy requirements

Passing asbestos or mineral fiber screening does not guarantee full compliance with children’s toy regulations. Finished products must still meet applicable mechanical, physical, chemical, small parts, and tracking label requirements.  

4. Continuing to use old reports after changing suppliers

Changing sand suppliers, mineral sources, processing methods, or formulations renders previous testing and risk assessments invalid.  

IV. Remediation plan for sand-filled products

1. Establish a mineral raw material inventory

Maintain records including:  

• Supplier information

• Mineral source and origin

• Raw material name;

• Ingredient declaration; 

• SDS or CoA; 

• Raw material batch number; 

• Incoming inspection records; 

• Supplier change records. 

2. Implement risk classification 

For raw materials with complete documentation and stable sources, ongoing management can proceed according to established plans. For those with unknown origins, frequent material changes, or potential recall risks, screening and sampling frequency should be increased.  

3. Evaluate outer coverings and fillings together 

During testing, assess the complete finished product to determine whether the outer covering ruptures under normal use or misuse, and whether the filling may come into contact with or be released.  

4. Maintain consistency between production and testing 

Establish records for batches, suppliers, sampling, and production. Reassess affected items whenever there are changes in raw materials, formulations, or processes.  

5. Promptly handle recalls and remove inventory from shelves 

Immediately cease sales and take required actions for products confirmed to be within a recall scope. For products not involved in recalls but receiving platform verification notices, complete verification based on specific ASINs and available documentation.

Conclusion

The compliance challenges for sand-filled sensory toys lie in the hidden risks of mineral raw materials, frequent changes in the supply chain, and the difficulty of a single test covering long-term variations in mineral sources and batches.  

Sellers should not rely solely on a single report provided by suppliers but must establish a complete traceability chain from raw material sources and batches to finished products, testing reports, and CPC certification.  

If you have questions regarding recalls, raw material screening, product testing, or batch management for sand-filled products, feel free to leave a comment. NBI Testing can provide targeted compliance assessments.