Toy Association Advocacy in Action

May 6, 2025 | At The Toy Association, advocacy is an everyday commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of the toy industry. While tariffs continue to be the most critical issue and remain the central focus of our advocacy efforts for a "zero-for-zero” global tariff policy on toys , our Global Government & Regulatory Affairs Center of Excellence (CoE) is working on many other essential issues. From international toy safety standards alignment to U.S. state-level regulations, our team is working to ensure the toy community’s voice is heard at every level government.

Here's a snapshot of the critical work our team is currently engaged in on behalf of your business:

Influencing Global Toy Safety Standards
In April, our team was on the ground in Paris for the European CEN TC 52 meeting — the body responsible for maintaining the EN 71 toy safety standards in the EU. Serving as the liaison from the International ISO TC 181 Toy Safety committee, Jos Huxley, The Toy Association’s SVP of technical affairs, delivered updates on U.S. and international developments and worked to align standards across regions. With the EU’s new Toy Safety Regulation on the horizon, The Toy Association’s presence in these critical discussions ensures your products are represented during pivotal changes that will impact market access in Europe.

Fighting for Small Businesses in Washington, DC
Kathrin Belliveau, The Toy Association’s chief policy officer, is meeting with the Washington, DC-based U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today to discuss the financial hardships faced by our small and mid-sized members, and explore how federal programs (including bridge loans and other financial products) can support the industry. Plans are underway to host a Toy Association webinar that will inform members of these resources and help them navigate available relief tools.

Tackling Outdated State Laws
At the state level, The Toy Association is pushing for regulatory modernization. In Columbus, Ohio, The Toy Association’s Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs, is working to advocate for an amendment to a long-outdated law that bans the use of recycled fill in plush toys — a rule that no longer reflects today’s safety science or sustainability priorities. Ohio remains the only state with such a ban. Last year, The Toy Association successfully advocated for an amendment to a similar outdated stuffed toy law in Pennsylvania.

Expanding Market Access for U.S. Toys in Israel
International trade remains a priority, and this month The Toy Association is playing a key role in discussions with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, regarding Israel’s expressed interest to facilitate the market entry of toys from U.S. companies into Israel.

In anticipation of the upcoming U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee Meeting, The Toy Association’s Joan Lawrence, SVP of standards and regulatory affairs, was invited to participate in a high-level conversation led by the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) with the visiting delegation from the Israeli Ministry, including officials on trade policy, standardization, and health, among others. While the Israeli market currently only recognizes compliance with the European toy standard, Lawrence provided an overview of the rigorous ASTM F963 U.S. federal toy safety standard and its risk-based, consensus-driven development process as a model requirement for consideration. These discussions build on The Toy Association’s history of engagement with Israel and may open doors for more efficient, standards-based trade in the near future.

“Whether it’s the ongoing critical issue of tariffs, international trade discussions, state regulatory reforms, or a new standard under review, The Toy Association is there to make sure your business interests are represented,” said Kathrin Belliveau, chief policy officer at The Toy Association. “Our ongoing work with federal agencies, state governments, international standards bodies, and trade partners helps clear the path for toy innovation and protects your ability to do business across borders.”

For questions about The Toy Association’s advocacy work or to become a member of a Toy Association advocacy committee, members are invited to contact Kathrin Belliveau, chief policy officer at The Toy Association.