China Toy Fair


CPSC Releases CHAP Report on Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives

July 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Following four years of investigation by the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP), appointed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the CPSC has released a long-awaited report detailing the potential health effects of phthalates and phthalate alternatives in toys and child care articles. Phthalates are substances used to make certain plastics soft and pliable, and there exist federal restrictions on the presence of phthalates in toys and certain children’s products.

Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, there are currently permanent bans on three types of phthalates—DEHP, DBP and BBP—in toys and certain child care articles, and interim bans on three additional phthalates—DINP, DIDP and DnOP—in mouth-able components of these products. [Read more...]

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CPSC to Host Workshop on Possible Amendments to Import Filing Requirements

July 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will host a workshop on September 18 to share information and gather data on proposed changes to certificate of compliance requirements for companies that import regulated finished consumer products into the U.S.

The workshop will allow CPSC to clarify issues and understand stakeholders’ concerns related to the proposed amendments to the Certification of Compliance Rule, which would require companies that import products manufactured outside of the U.S. to file general conformity certifications—or children’s product certifications—electronically with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prior to importation, in conjunction with other customs entry documents. [Read more...]

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Registration Opens for TIA’s 7th Annual Washington, DC Fly-In

July 17, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Registration is open for the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) 7th Annual Washington, DC Fly-In, which will bring toy company representatives to the nation’s capital on September 16 to 18. The objective will be to discuss the priority issues impacting TIA’s member companies, including chemical regulations and testing requirements, with members of Congress and other government officials.

This year’s event will kick off on September 16 with a United We Play opening reception on Capitol Hill, hosted by TIA and the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF). During the evening, the hosts will announce a donation of 2,500 toys to children’s charities within the home districts of five members of Congress to be honored at the reception. The Fly-In will continue with a full schedule of meetings and activities on September 17 and 18.

The DC Fly-In is free to attend and open to all TIA members, and registration may be completed online. The host hotel for the Fly-In is the Mandarin Oriental in downtown Washington. Anyone interested in more information should contact Rachel Derby, TIA’s director of government affairs, at (202) 459-0351.

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New Affiliation Between TIA and CTA Now in Effect

July 6, 2014 By

A new affiliate agreement between the U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) went into effect on July 1. As previously reported by TIA, the partnership was formed to help strengthen the products, services, and events both organizations offer their collective members and industry stakeholders throughout North America.

Under the terms of the initial three-year partnership agreement, any TIA member with operations in Canada will be eligible to become a member of the CTA with one membership fee, while current CTA members will pay a single set of dues to access the benefits of CTA and TIA membership. A representative of each organization will sit on the leadership committee of the other body, and CTA will maintain its Canadian incorporation, mission, and bylaws.

Every CTA member is now in the TIA membership database and has unrestricted, members only access to TIA’s online products and services, including free educational webinars, proprietary reports on market research and industry practices, legislative bulletins on industry issues, and more. [Read more...]

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New Opportunities for Toy Companies at Fall Toy Preview 2014

June 30, 2014 By

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has made several changes to its Fall Toy Preview to widen the show’s attendee base and provide added value for members of the global toy industry. According to the TIA, the updates were developed by the Trade Show Committee and were based on feedback received from buyers and sellers who responded to TIA post-show surveys.

As part of the changes, Fall Toy Preview is no longer strictly a “by-appointment-only” event allowing exhibitors onsite opportunities to do business. The TIA will now offer new booth packages that provide exhibiting companies with both open or combination—closed with and open display area—booths.

In addition, specialty buyers who are ready to show product for the 2015 holiday season and have an interest in previewing are invited to attend. Traditionally, only toy companies that sold product to mass market were allowed to exhibit. Also, the show will introduce new educational programming and a Woman’s Empowerment Initiative co-hosted by Women in Toys and Wal-Mart. Additional events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fall Toy Preview will take place on October 7 to 9.

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TIA Environmental and Sustainability Committee Re-Launched

June 15, 2014 By

Toy_Industry_Association_Inc_logoAt the Toy Industry Association‘s newly re-launched Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting, sustainable metrics and materials for eco-friendly products and packaging, the development of an industry-wide definition of sustainability, and consumer trends and engagement on environmental issues were among the topics discussed.

The committee re-launched to help monitor environmental issues that impact the toy industry. It is also in place to assist toy companies in starting eco-friendly programs internally and to increase the sustainability of their products.

A recent survey distributed by the TIA is aimed at helping prioritize specific sustainability issues. Results showed that participants want the sustainability efforts to be beneficial in the long-run while keeping up to date on consumer trends, sustainable tools and materials for packaging, and developing cross-industry collaborations on common sustainability interests.

The committee will meet again in August to continue discussing and developing plans for a more sustainable future in the toy industry.

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TIA to Host Webinar on U.S. Customs and Border Protection Enforcement

June 8, 2014 By

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) will host a webinar on June 26 to provide toy industry stakeholders with a behind-the-scenes view of U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforcement and trade facilitation. It will also provide insight into how to streamline the importation of products during the upcoming peak shipping season.

The webinar, Beyond the Ports: Customs and Border Protection Enforcement, will take place from 3 to 4pm. Registration is now open and free for TIA members. More information is available at the TIA website’s Education page.

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Fibre-Craft Names Dan Shure as President

June 6, 2014 By

Fibre-Craft Materials Corp., a manufacturer of creative activities and toys under the Creative Hands, The Springfield Collection, and Bendastix brand names, has named Daniel B. Shure as its president effective immediately. Shure will report to John Abens, who assumes the new title of chairman.

Most recently, Shure was president of BeShure LLC, a consumer products consulting company, and prior to that, he managed toy and gift companies, including Strombecker Corporation, Processed Plastic Company, and Tootsietoy Corp. He also served several terms as a director of the Toy Industry Association.

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Canadian Toy Association and Toy Industry Association Enter Affiliation Agreement

May 25, 2014 By

The boards of directors of the Canadian Toy Association (CTA), along with the U.S.-based Toy Industry Association (TIA), have approved a formal relationship. Under the terms of the initial three-year agreement, CTA will become an affiliate of TIA beginning July 1, and any TIA member with operations or sales in Canada will be eligible for CTA membership at no additional charge. In addition, CTA members, including distributors, will become eligible for membership in TIA.

Financial support provided by TIA will support CTA’s advocacy activities and operational programs, such as the promotion of toy sales in the Canadian market. CTA will no longer organize or host any trade fair or toy marketplace event.

A representative of each organization will sit on the leadership committee of the other body. CTA will maintain its Canadian incorporation, and its own mission, and its own bylaws. The agreement was approved by the TIA board of directors at its meeting on May 7, and by the CTA board of directors at its meeting on May 8.

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Toy Industry Hall of Fame Nomination Period Is Open

May 17, 2014 By

ToyIndustryHallofFameToy Industry Association (TIA) members and toy industry stakeholders are invited to submit nominations of deserving candidates for induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame next February. The nomination period will extend through June 27, and the nomination form can be downloaded. Voting to select 2015 inductees is restricted to TIA members.

Consideration for the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is limited to individuals, living or deceased, who have made outstanding contributions or provided outstanding service to the toy industry and TIA. Possible accomplishments include lengthy experience, innovative product or marketing introductions, or service on the TIA Board of Directors. [Read more...]

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