The Toy Association Statement on Button and Coin 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 small 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 early advocate for battery safety, The Toy Association was a strong supporter for the passage of Reese’s Law in 2022, which established a mandatory standard for child-resistant closures on battery-operated, non-toy consumer products – including some common products found in most homes such as remote controls, watches, flashlights, hearing aids, etc. which children might access. Reese’s Law was modeled after the safety standard for battery use in toys with input from The Toy Association.

While toy standards for batteries have long been in place and are now in effect for other products, adults should remain vigilant and be careful to never leave new or used batteries, from any products, where they may be accessible to children. Further, when changing the batteries in a toy or other product, adults should 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 for children.

This statement was updated by The Toy Association in October 2025.