Advocacy: Reese’s Law Should Align with Toy Industry’s “Gold Standard” for Battery Safety

January 18, 2022 | With the introduction of a bipartisan bill by Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn requiring all products to have mechanisms to secure battery compartments, The Toy Association continues to advocate for language in the legislation (known as Reese’s Law – S.3278) that aligns with what’s written in the existing toy safety standard for batteries.

Batteries can pose a serious health hazard if swallowed, which is why there is a long-standing safety standard requiring that batteries used in toys be made inaccessible to young children through the use of a locking mechanism on the battery compartment. All toys sold in the U.S. must comply with this standard.

“The current standard for batteries in toys is a ‘gold standard’ for safety and should be considered in the development of Reese’s law, a point that we reiterated in our most recent discussions with Sen. Blumenthal’s office,” said Owen Caine, vice president of government affairs at The Toy Association.

“We are pleased that the Senator’s staff was receptive to our suggestions and eager to continue to work with The Toy Association on future drafts of the language.”