Toy Industry Association Launches Official Website
for
Toy Safety Certification ProgramSM
ToyCertification.org Provides Easily Accessible
Information
about Developing Toy Industry Program
New York, NY, October 28, 2008 - Toy Industry
Association (TIA) has launched www.toycertification.org,
where manufacturers, retailers, toy companies, labs and other interested
parties can learn more about the Toy Safety Certification
ProgramSM (TSCP) that the Association is developing to
facilitate and expand upon compliance with the new Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The web site presents information
including TSCP requirements, certification process, governance and
timeline. It will soon also include a calendar for educational
seminars and webinars about the program.
“The new federal product safety law imposes very complex new
requirements on toy manufacturers, most importantly, the requirement for
certifying that their toy products have been adequately tested by a
qualified third party” said Elizabeth Borrelli, Executive Director
of the Toy Safety Certification Program. “Initially,
ToyCertification.org will be a source for companies seeking information
on how to comply with the Act as well as prepare for the full
TSCP.” The site allows visitors to sign up for email updates
on the program.
In the next few weeks, TIA will introduce an information systems
platform to facilitate efficient communication among applicants, third
parties, retailers, and regulators to expedite the toy certification
process. The full TSCP will be made available to participants in
early 2009, and full operation including outreach to consumers is
anticipated by the middle of next year.
“Eventually, ToyCertification.org will also enable consumers to
verify that the toys they purchase have been certified to meet safety
standards as required by the CPSIA and TSCP,” said Borrelli.
For now, the site is intended for companies in the toy industry and
other stakeholders to learn about the new program.
About TIA
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers
of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America,
representing over 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of
domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the
toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety
including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard
more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and
industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. For more
information on toy safety, click here.
Contact:
Adrienne Citrin, Toy Industry Association, 646-520-4863 acitrin@toyassociation.org
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