Safety

Product Recalls

Because the toy industry designs its products specifically for children, toys are held to a high standard of safety. Although toy recalls are rare, they are an important part of a robust safety system, creating a “safety net” that helps to remove faulty product from the distribution chain and, when necessary, out of consumers’ homes.

Resources

There are a variety of TIA and external resources to help TIA members and other stakeholders in the toy, juvenile product and youth entertainment industries with assistance in the event of a product recall or other crisis:

• Recalls.gov
  A “one stop shop” for all U.S. government recalls
  
  
• CPSC Recall Handbook
  A guide for manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that helps companies understand their recall obligations and responsibilities.  [Page 26, VIII has a section on developing a company policy and plan to identify defective products and to undertake a Product Recall.]
  
  
• Regulated Products Handbook
  A guide for manufacturers, importers, retailers and others in the regulated community that clarifies what steps need to be taken when either CPSC staff informs them, or they become aware of, a violation of CPSC statutes and regulations.
  
  
• Reporting a Potentially Defective or Hazardous Product to the CPSC
  This document outlines a number a number of ways for manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and private labelers to report a potentially defective or hazardous product to the CPSC under Section 15(b) of the CPSA.
  
  
• Current Recalls
  Using recall data provided by the CPSC, TIA maintains a list of toy and game recalls so parents and other caregivers can do a quick visual scan to verify whether any items that require action are found in their home.
  
  
• TIA Webinar: “Preparing for a Product Recall or Crisis”
  This session helps companies understand the importance, structure and resources needed to develop a comprehensive corporate strategy that will enable them to be prepared for all safety-related issues, including: CPSC-administered product recalls, consumer complaints registered on SaferProducts.gov; business issues; lawsuits and other crises.
  
  
• Liability Insurance: HUB International
  HUB International (HUB), a leading commercial insurance brokerage, offers TIA members a comprehensive insurance program customized for the toy industry. Available coverage includes product liability and product recall insurance. For more information visit TIA’s Membership page.