Why Are Sex Toys Called Adult Novelties?

Sex Toys Classified As Adult Novelties

In China, some sex toy manufacturers refer to sex toys as adult novelties. This novelty designation stems primarily from export and tariff considerations, albeit potentially motivated by additional factors. Critically, novelty classification bears no relation to a sex toy's quality.

Exports & Tariffs

As mentioned, facilitating international trade represents a key driver of novelty classification given China’s 70% global market share of sex toy production, supplemented by other major exporting nations like South Korea, Thailand, and Germany. Hand-poured silicone dildos lacking mechanical components dominate the minimal domestic U.S. manufacturing.

Importantly, foreign production alone cannot signify inferior quality, with substantive differences arising from specific brand practices as opposed to national origins.

All countries impose regulations mandating particular product packaging and descriptions for imports/exports. The U.S. classifies imported goods under the 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code system, with customs fees and duties contingent on materials and intended usage as designated by the International Trade Commission (ITC).

Failure to utilize novelty terminology risks additional customs fees, duties, and taxes by necessitating alternate classification under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), triggering expanded environmental documentation, certification, and cost requirements. Even sex toys independently verified or compliant with European Union guidelines may receive novelty labeling to avoid CPSA classification.

Liability

Contrary to misconceptions, novelty designations do not allow manufacturers to evade product liability.

Toxic Sex Toys

Another myth assumes novelty labeling aims to conceal toy toxicity. However, novelty status fails to preclude regulation, rendering this belief erroneous.

Obscenity Laws

Under the 1873 Comstock Act banning obscene mail-order materials, most sex toys required novelty or marital aid classifications to avoid violating state/federal obscenity laws.

Medical Devices

Extensive testing burdens, exorbitant medical device certification costs, and substantial import tariffs render medical classification financially prohibitive for most manufacturers and consumers.

Medical Grade Silicone

Added pigments preclude medical grading of colored silicone, casting doubt on such claims.

ISO Safety Standards

September 2021 welcomed voluntary International Organization for Standardization (ISO) safety standards (ISO 3533:2021) for genital/anal sex toys addressing safety, reliability, and quality. Companies can voluntarily comply, with standards mandating easy retrieval and eliminating sharp/abrasive components. Packaging also improves.

ISO compliance remains fully consistent with novelty status, confirming the terminology's lack of quality implications.

In Conclusion

Novelty classification bears no relation to a sex toy's material safety or manufacturing quality.