Contact: Joan Cear / Adrienne Citrin
GS Schwartz / TIA 
(212) 725-4500 / (646) 207-3724
jcear@schwartz.com / acitrin@toyassociation.org

Toy Industry Association Applauds President's Signing of
Consumer Product Safety Bill

New Safety Standards for Toys Will Create a Uniform National Standard

NEW YORK, NY (August 14, 2008) – The most sweeping toy safety legislation in decades was signed into law today by President Bush. The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008 will significantly strengthen and make uniform the safety standards for toys – and other children’s products – sold in the United States.

Toy Industry Association (TIA) applauds this comprehensive legislation, which was the result of a massive bipartisan effort on the part of government, industry, and consumer groups. It establishes strict new safety standards and testing requirements, as well as measures to strengthen product safety enforcement.

Toy manufacturers and major retailers are already moving to conform to these standards, which require certification of compliance based on mandatory testing. TIA is developing a comprehensive Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM in conjunction with the American National Standards Institute to help toy companies meet the requirements. The legislation will also substantially strengthen consumer product safety oversight by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).  

According to TIA President Carter Keithley, “With the health and safety of children our primary concern, the toy industry supports the creation of a uniform national standard for product safety and testing, upon which consumers across the nation can rely.”  

“So many toy companies are already doing the right thing in terms of additional testing to ensure the safety of their products,” continued Mr. Keithley. “This legislation helps to ensure that all companies conform to the same high standards for any toy sold in this country.”

About Toy Industry Association
TIA represents over 500 companies -- manufacturers and importers of toys -- who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales.  Associate members include inventors, designers, licensors, testing laboratories, and other industry professionals.  TIA has a history of leadership in toy safety standards, advocacy on legislative and trade issues, visibility in the media, and philanthropy to children.