TSCP Oversight Council Authorizes Program Launch on October 1

September 17, 2009 – At its meeting yesterday in Chicago, the Toy Safety Certification Program® Oversight Council – a cross-sector group of stakeholders tapped to provide guidance and direction for the program’s rollout – unanimously voted to launch the TSCP for participants on October 1, 2009.

The eleven-member panel is responsible for monitoring the development, implementation and effectiveness of TSCP, proposing changes to the program to increase value to stakeholders, and reviewing and adopting reasonable recommended changes in the program relating to technical considerations.  Its membership comprises representatives of the toy industry, along with representatives of retailers, government and consumers.

During its meeting, the Oversight Council reviewed updates to the TSCP’s program requirements and heard a brief update on the status of its IT platform.  The Council also selected a final design for the TSCP Toy Safety Certification Mark that will be made available for use on toy products and/or packaging. The Council noted that the trademark review process should be completed before the Mark and its Rules of Use are communicated to the industry participants.  At present, it is expected that the Mark will be released for launch in 2010; companies will be given advance notice to comply.

The Council further directed the TSCP Technical Committee to continue its efforts to coordinate with retailers and other certification programs in the international arena with a view of harmonizing testing and certification requirements to the maximum extent possible so as to mitigate duplicative or redundant testing requirements.

Retailers participating in the development of the program have expressed their ongoing support and interest.  Some have already indicated that they will be closely monitoring the TSCP’s rollout and implementation and, where practicable, intend to accept TSCP certification as an acceptable attestation of meeting certain specific organizational requirements.

A further discussion of the TSCP will be included during the TIA Town Halls scheduled during September and also during the safety and legislative updates to be presented during Fall Toy Preview in Dallas on Wednesday, October 7.

TIA members will be kept apprised as additional information regarding the October 1st launch becomes available.