Toy Distribution Trade React

19 September 2007

Toy Distribution Trade React to Unsafe Goods Notice (Lead in Children’s Toys)

The President of the NZ Toy Distributors Inc Dean Underwood today issued the following statement in response to the issue of the Unsafe Goods Notice (Lead in Children’s Toys) and the Statement of the Minister of Consumer Affairs the Hon Judith Tizard.

``While my membership endorses the strengthening of safety standards, it is difficult to see how this governmental change will in any way advance the issues of Toy Safety generally.

By way of background, the NZTDA along with the Commerce Commission was represented on the Committee which negotiated the Australian/New Zealand Safety Standard (AS/NZS ISO 8124.3.2003). That document already covers the Migration of Elements including the maximum allowable limits for lead, which are the same limits that are now proposed in the Unsafe Goods Notice. That standard is widely accepted, understood and followed by the Toy Industry and has been operative since May 2003.

I cannot recall when questions of Toy Safety were more acute in people’s minds whether they be consumers, retailers or distributors.

The recent highly publicized toy recalls certainly has the toy industry worldwide looking hard at how to tighten up design, manufacture and quality control to avoid further occurrences.

It should not be lost sight of however, that the products involved represent just a tiny fraction of the global toy market, which by and large has an excellent record on safety. It is noteworthy that the recent excess lead level recalls, did not arise as a result of any illness or injury to a child.

While the recall situations are not acceptable, reaction has been swift from a number of areas, including China, where the offending toys were produced.

From 20 September 2007, all export toy products over a wide range of categories, will require laboratory test reports to verify that such products meet all regulations and standards of the importing country. In addition they must carry approved safety certification of all surface coatings, including lead.

Such requirements will give toy importers a more reliable system making it more likely that flawed products will be detected prior to arrival.

The public can be assured that all possible steps are being taken to ensure that toys are safe generally, rather than just focusing on one single issue.’’

ENDS

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