Choosing safe toys this year?

Dear Consumer
How do you find the perfect toy to give children in your life this holiday season, you may be confused and even frightened some of the recent media attention on the toy recalls and toys abroad in general.
Some parents have also decided to seek another alternative gift instead of buying toys. But is this wise? The toys are not only intended to be a form of entertainment for children, but also some beneficial and essential to their development. They offer a wonderful source of learning and fun for kids of all ages. Playing with toys enhances creative ability of the engine and offers a constructive way to release energy. Selecting quality toys from a company that manufacturers their research carefully and regularly, you give the child a wonderful way to encourage creativity and stimulate intellectual development.
With this extreme attention to toy safety and product recalls in recent months, particularly on toys imported from China, it is essential that consumers are informed and not misled. While over 80 percent of toys sold in this country are imported from the factory to China, the countries are not toys – Companies do. It is important not to view all companies in the toy as a single entity.
It ‘a fact that large firms, as the name of Mattel toys recalled certain products because of security concerns, but it is essential to set the record straight. Most toys recalls due to design problems – such as small parts that detach and pose a choking hazard and not for the use of hazardous materials. These types of design questions call has nothing to do with Chinese producers and are, in reality, not a manufacturing problem at all.
Company for small toy on fears recall being assigned to all companies, instead of the companies concerned. There are thousands of toy company in the United States, but the weight of attention to the recall of the major toy companies like Mattel and Hasbro is heavy for the small toy companies. A small toy company in Madison, WI had this to say on their blog about the recall of Mattel toys:
“The Mattel recall is bad for the toy industry as a whole … Mattel has failed to effectively monitor their suppliers to obscure the public perception of all Chinese producers. It ‘unfortunate this negative perception extends to companies that actually applies rigorous standards of quality, factories whose products consistently pass safety and driving tests … ”
American consumers should be aware that the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also working hard to ensure the safety of toys and other products imported from China. An International Consumer Product Safety Program Plan known as Agenda 2007, China has been implemented. To address the problem of product recalls from China, the CPSC said, in part:
The Commission is currently examining ways to reduce the number of consumer products imported into the United States that represent a considerable danger of products that violate mandatory product safety standards or otherwise present an unreasonable risk to consumers in the United States. These efforts have included creating a new Office of International Programs, Development Program of China, participating in seminars on product safety, service, direct producer and the General Administration for Quality Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) when a consumer product recall of the product is manufactured in China and transport and increased surveillance of the market to help maintain product liability or non-conformity hands of consumers.
It ‘important to understand the impact of the rules of the United States, including ASTM F963, which refers to the potential risks that can not be easily recognized by the public and which may occur under normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. The standard covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for children under 14 years. “These standards are developed as a means of voluntary contributions to the toy industry to police itself and protect the public.
A second way that the CPSC works with companies to provide information on toy safety for consumers with the package labeling. Parents and others can help protect children who buy toys for reading labels and following the recommendations and warnings. Many security problems are directly related to the toy consumer choice to buy toys not intended for a specific age group. Most of the toys are given an age rating and a warning if there are specific reasons, such as small parts, if there are inappropriate for children.
Basic information that is presented to the press and the public can not correctly identify the problems related to age appropriate products for children. This is a joint responsibility of companies, toy manufacturers, government or consumers and parents to view age-appropriate toys based on the development of a child. While it is easy to choose a learning game or toy for a child especially intellectually stimulating mature, it is important to remember that the attitudes and sensitivities of young children that can lead to safety problems with toys and that the guidelines are made in place with this account.
There is a profound concern for children and issues of safety awareness in the toy, and is a very specific question that was addressed by most of the toy company. The standards are set by the toy industry have not changed, despite the hype of recent years. These standards are high and, if observed, are more than sufficient to maintain the safety of toys.
During my toy company, the history of the toy in action, I have taken care to design our action figures to ensure that our toys are safe for children who play with and love them. It ‘important to me, providing a real opportunity for social interaction and education, but safety is my number one priority in the design and production of our toys. We currently have no market three toys action figures, each representing a leader in American history. We on have had our toys tested independently by a third party to determine whether they meet the safety standards outlined in ASTM F963 CSMC’s.
This company of toys not ignore the security issues. I care deeply about children and would never go to that company or toys developed for them if this was not true. I worked hard to select a premier manufacturer in China, according to their history, customers with whom the work and their ability to produce a safe product and quality. I personally visited the manufacturing plant in China, I chose to produce my products, both to ensure quality control and meet people who are in contact with. I think this is a privilege and a responsibility I have spent much time and money to ensure that our products are and continue to be safe. Although I have chosen the builder was not on the least expensive that I received when it dropped to a choice between knowing that he was producing a safe, quality toys and savings, safety and quality won hands down.
I used the Bureau Veritas, an independent body that works with companies around the world to provide evidence for independent inspection, verification and certification to ensure that meet and exceed all safety standards. This independent testing agency has determined that my toys meet the ASTM standard F963. I’m happy for the positive results that I got on the safety of toys produced.
Do not paint all the toy company in the bag itself. While some companies have been hit hard with the memories, many other companies are in the same category as mine has never had a dangerous toy on the market.
You can buy toys for children at Christmas, Made in USA or China, with confidence and security. Research on companies you’re buying to determine their level of security and reputation for the treatment and disposal problems and concerns.
It ‘important to remember that most manufacturers in the United States and China, the production of safe, quality toys that meet or exceed the safety standards and that the number of recalled products is a very small percentage of the total toy market today.
Remember check lists, such as that provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx). You can register for e-mail notification of all product recalls. You can also find excellent information on the safety of toys on the website of the Toy Industry Association, www.toyinfo.org. It provides lists of reference, the facts on toys, buying tips and more. It also addresses the problem of buying toys made in China at the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of its website with the following response:
Q: Should I avoid toys made in China? No longer safe for me?
A: All toys sold in America, regardless of where they are manufactured must conform to strict safety standards of the United States – the rules that have served as models for other sectors and countries around the world.
How is business rather than the countries that make toys, these companies have a responsibility to adhere to safety standards and controls throughout the process. Random on-site and off-site testing occurs in all manufacturing facilities in China and elsewhere. Toys are also randomly inspected before being exported to the United States.
In light of recent recalls, there was additional testing and vigilance by toy manufacturers, retailers and importers.
I encourage consumers to read and follow the toy shopping tips listed below:
• Read the labels carefully and choose toys that carry the label of ASTM F963 (products with this label have gone through a complete series of tests and design specifications to reduce or eliminate potential damage caused by their use make-up toys.)
• Seek recommendations from appropriate age groups and warnings of small parts or other hazards
or determine if there are small children at home and if they can be penalized in toys
or consider whether the recipient can use the toy in a different way intended use of the toy
• research diligently problems with a particular society toys
Call or check the lists on the website of CPSC: This http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx
The purchase of a toy, should not be an appalling. You can buy toys for kids this holiday season and be sure of their safety and quality. Remember, the safety of our children is a joint venture between the toy companies and consumers. We can all do our part to ensure that children can enjoy all the benefits of quality toys have to offer, without being in danger.
As I am a strong supporter of my business of toys, are more than happy to talk with consumers and media to help address and mitigate concerns regarding the safety and quality of history in action toys.
Sincerely,
Sterling Ashby
Founder, History in Action Toys
(202) 487-8376
sashby@hiatoys.com

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