Contact:  Andrew Worob / Adrienne Citrin
GS Schwartz / TIA 
(845) 304-6521 / (646) 207-3724
aworob@schwartz.com / acitrin@toyassociation.org

Toy Safety Assurance Program Endorsed by TIA Directors at February 16 Board Meeting

Opportunity for Public Comment from February 22 to March 24, 2008

February 17, 2008 – Meeting in conjunction with its annual Toy Fair in New York City, the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the general direction of a proposal for a new toy testing and safety verification system for toys sold in the U.S. market.  Key elements of the program include procedures for design hazard analysis, auditing manufacturing process controls, and product safety testing.

The proposal was developed by a working group comprised of safety experts and representatives of consumers, government, retailers, the toy industry and testing laboratories.  TIA engaged the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), coordinator of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, to chair the initiative and facilitate the development of a proposal to strengthen the safety assurance system for toys sold in the U.S. market. 

The program will be published by ANSI on Friday, February 22, 2008, for a one-month period of public review and comment. Following the public comment period, a final program proposal will be presented to the TIA Board for final adoption and implementation. At that time, a timetable for putting the program in action will also be provided.

”The American toy industry has a long history of leadership in toy safety, dating back to the 1930’s” said Daniel Grossman, Chairman of the Board of the Association. “Once again, our industry has responded quickly and effectively when toy safety issues have been identified. We moved quickly to involve all interested parties, including government and NGOs in order to move this effort along as quickly as possible.”

“This is an aggressive program and many companies are already implementing the safety assurance measures contained therein,” added Carter Keithley, TIA president.  “What we are proposing is an industry-wide initiative that would ensure that these measures are adopted for all toy products to be sold in the U.S. market, and to restore the confidence of American consumers in the safety of toys.”

The full program description will be published by ANSI on February 22 at www.ansi.org/publicreview.

About TIA
TIA has a long history of leadership in the development of toy safety standards, and U.S. standards for toys are widely used as models around the globe.  As the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market, TIA represents over 500 manufacturers and importers of toys who account for approximately 85% of all toys distributed in the North America. Those toy manufacturers are committed to providing safe, fun and innovative playthings for children.  TIA is committed to making important safety information widely available to parents and caregivers free of charge in order to ensure safe play.  Visit the TIA website at: www.toyassociation.org.