The Toy Association Statement on Button Cell Batteries

The U.S. toy industry is committed to ensuring the safety of children.

Batteries – especially small button- and coin-size batteries – can pose a serious health hazard if swallowed. If they lodge in the esophagus or GI tract, the results can be life-threatening and immediate medical intervention is needed.

This is why in the United States there is a long-standing (and globally emulated) safety standard requiring that batteries used in toys be made inaccessible to young children through the use of a locking mechanism on the battery compartment. All toys sold in the United States must comply with this battery standard.

As an advocate for battery safety, The Toy Association was a strong supporter for the passage of Reese’s Law, which further protects children from the dangers posed by button cell batteries found in other, non-toy household products (remote controls, watches, flashlights, hearing aids, etc.). Signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, Reese’s Law establishes a mandatory standard for child-resistant closures on battery-operated consumer products. It was modeled after the toy safety standard for batteries with input from The Toy Association.

Although strong laws are in place for toys and are coming into effect for other products, adults should continue to be careful to never leave new or used batteries (from any products) where they are accessible to children. When changing the batteries in a toy, be sure to re-engage the locking system and carefully discard used batteries. These simple steps will help families and caregivers take an active role in ensuring safe and fun play.

This statement was reaffirmed by The Toy Association in October 2024.