Overview - ISO 25649-2:2017 (Consumer information)
ISO 25649-2:2017 is the ISO standard that specifies consumer information requirements for classified floating leisure articles for use on and in the water (used together with ISO 25649‑1 and the relevant specific parts ISO 25649‑3 to ISO 25649‑7). Its purpose is to ensure that users receive clear, durable and comprehensible information at point of sale and during use to reduce water-related risks and improve product selection and safe operation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to classified floating leisure articles and is intended to be used with ISO 25649‑1 and the specific parts (‑3 to ‑7).
- Consumer information content
- Information before buying (point of sale): product type, supplier name/address, picture/diagram with main dimensions, user specifications (age groups, body weight if applicable), load capacity, place of use, performance and relevant safety details, and the standard reference number.
- Preparation for use: installation and setup instructions (in manual or on product for simple items).
- Maintenance, repair and storage: instructions in the user manual.
- Product safety label and symbols
- Use of supplementary safety information symbols (warnings, prohibitions, mandatory actions) and general safety signs as specified in Clause 6. Examples in the standard include “No protection against drowning”, “Do not use in bathtub”, maximum engine power/sail area, and maximum speeds (e.g., adult 30 km/h, child 20 km/h).
- Symbols may be combined with explanatory text for fatal-risk messages.
- Printing, language and legibility
- Print must contrast with background and meet durability requirements (see ISO 25649‑1, Clause 7).
- Plain text: word “WARNING” in uppercase at least 5 mm high; remaining text in lower case not less than 3 mm.
- Plain text must be in the language of the country of sale; verification by inspection.
- Layout and format
- Safety labels and symbols must follow the layout shown in the standard figures; requirements cover position, color and size.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO 25649-2:
- Manufacturers and product designers of inflatables and floating leisure equipment
- Labeling and packaging teams preparing point-of-sale information
- Retailers and distributors ensuring compliance with country-language and safety label rules
- Test labs and conformity assessors verifying consumer information and printing durability
- Regulators and safety professionals drafting market surveillance and guidance
Practical uses:
- Designing compliant user manuals, product labels and point-of-sale displays
- Selecting and applying standardized safety symbols for international markets
- Ensuring legibility, durability and correct language use to reduce misuse and accidents
Related standards
- ISO 25649‑1 (classification, materials, general requirements and test methods)
- ISO 25649‑3 to ISO 25649‑7 (specific product safety requirements)
- ISO 3864‑2 (graphical symbols - product safety labels)
- ISO 7010 (reference for registered safety signs where applicable)
Keywords: ISO 25649-2, floating leisure articles, consumer information, product safety label, supplementary safety information symbols, point of sale labeling, user instructions.