Safety Standards for Sex Toys

by Ersten Wiles

2022-09-02 00:53:12

Would You Like Fetish With That?

ISO-3533:2021 is a requirements document from the International Standards Organization that defines the design and safety requirements for products in direct contact with genitalia, the anus, or both.

This is the first time that the ISO has set standards for the quality of sex toys. The document outlines the design requirements for vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, and anything else that is "intended for sexual stimulation or to enhance sexual pleasure." The standard is focused on mechanical toys, it excludes lubes, oils, gels, sprays, and foods.

To meet the standard sex toy manufacturers must:

• Make sure plugs, beads, and things that go into a hole can't stay up there, or could be retrieved by a medical professional if needed.
• Things like chastity cages and cock rings can be removed with pliers or other common household tools in an emergency -- no power tools needed.
• Toys with heating elements must never exceed 118 degrees Fahrenheit. (Hotter temperatures than that that would cause a first-degree burn.)
• Anything going near any holes or genitals should be "smooth and be free from burrs and sharp edges."
• Materials used to construct toys should be "biocompatible" materials.
• Toys need to come with cleaning instructions.

There are also risk assessment protocols that manufacturers must follow if they want to meet these new standards.

So the next time you're shopping for a new toy for that special someone, check and see if it's got an ISO-3533 stamp of approval! You could save yourself a trip to the emergency room.

Check it out yourself

xandria@pigdog.org