ChokingHazardKit is installed

Show the US choking hazard warning on your product pages, in the exact wording set by 16 CFR 1500.19. Pick which statements apply; the app carries the text. No code required.

  1. 1

    Say which warning applies

    Open the product and scroll to Product metafields. The three fields are already there (created automatically). In choking_type, enter one or more of these codes, separated by commas:

    small_partsToy or game with small parts, for ages 3 to 6
    balloonLatex balloon, or a toy containing one
    small_ballThe product is itself a small ball
    marbleThe product is itself a marble
    contains_small_ballToy or game that contains a small ball
    contains_marbleToy or game that contains a marble

    Add choking_age_note for an extra line such as “Recommended for ages 6 and up.”, and choking_extra for warnings of your own. Save.

    Open products
  2. 2

    Add the block to the product template

    In the theme editor, use the page selector at the top and choose Products › Default product. Click Add block and choose Choking Hazard Warning. Save. Important: the block shows product data, so it must live on the product template — not the home page.

    Open Theme Editor
  3. 3

    Check the product page

    Open the product's page in your online store: the warning box appears automatically. Products with no choking_type show nothing — the rest of your catalogue is unaffected.

Why this belongs on the product page

These warnings are required on the package and on material that accompanies the product. Since 12 December 2008 they have also been required in internet advertising, under Section 24 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act as amended by the CPSIA. A product page is advertising, so the warning belongs there too — and a buyer online cannot read the box before they buy.

Why the app writes the wording

Unlike most of our other apps, the text here is not yours to write. 16 CFR 1500.19 sets each statement word for word, and it may not be paraphrased or shortened. So the app carries the exact statements and you only choose which ones apply. That is the whole point: the wording cannot be mistyped. Anything you want to add in your own words goes in choking_extra, which is shown outside the statutory box.

Choosing the right code

Use small_ball or marble when the product is that item, and contains_small_ball or contains_marble when it is a toy or game that contains one. If more than one applies, enter them all — each required statement is shown. If you are not sure whether a part counts as a small part, that is a testing question for your lab, not a display setting.

Metafield reference

custom.choking_typeWhich statutory warnings apply. One or more of: small_parts, balloon, small_ball, marble, contains_small_ball, contains_marble (comma separated)
custom.choking_age_noteOptional extra line under the warning, e.g. "Recommended for ages 6 and up."
custom.choking_extraYour own additional warnings, shown outside the statutory box. One per line.

ChokingHazardKit helps you present the warnings required by 16 CFR 1500.19; it is a display tool and not legal advice, and it does not test or classify any product. Deciding which statements apply to your product is your responsibility.