SG 102/25
In July 2025, ASTM International published a revised standard consumer safety specification for beach umbrellas and anchor devices, designated as ASTM F3681-25. This standard establishes performance requirements for beach umbrella/anchor systems intended to prevent the beach umbrella/anchor system from detaching from the sand, including any entity that provides the use of beach umbrellas. The objective of this standard is to address safety hazards identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), including, but not limited to, lacerations and impalement injuries resulting from windblown airborne beach umbrellas.
The standard defines beach umbrellas and anchor devices as:
- Beach umbrella – a removable device installed in or on the sand on a beach, consisting of a canopy supported by a single shaft/pole, used as protection against sun, rain, or other potential weather
- Anchor device – a device that is attached to or integrated into the umbrella pole and is secured in or on the sand on a beach, which enables the umbrella to perform in an open upright or angled position and prevents the umbrella from becoming airborne
The latest version of standard includes the following changes:
- Added a definition for “integrated”
- Updated the mechanical pull test for beach umbrellas/anchor systems
- Introduced new acceptance criteria for wind tunnel testing
- Added new labeling requirements for beach umbrellas
- Revised the required warning statements
- Updated the required text for the compliance label
The CPSC has also posted a video encouraging consumers to look for labels showing that beach umbrellas and anchors meet the voluntary safety standard ASTM F3681 before making a purchase.
The standard was developed by the ASTM F15.79 Market Umbrellas subcommittee and approved on June 1, 2025.
A copy of the standard can be purchased at ASTM website.
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