Toy makers get behind global safety standard
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BRUSSELS — Top toy makers backed plans Wednesday for a mandatory global safety standard for toys to prevent unsafe products from reaching the consumer, but said it must not be a barrier to innovation or entry into the market.
The European Union is mulling over new legislation in the area of toy safety, while the United States has proposed a stricter, independently verified regulation for toys after a spate of recalls -- mostly of Chinese goods -- in 2007.
Brussels and Washington are to hold talks in June in a bid to reach a transatlantic agreement, which they hope could pave the way for a global safety mark.
Leading toy makers such as Mattel Inc., Hasbro and Hornby said they favor an independent global standard, but are concerned over its scope and how it should be policed.
Last week EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva also expressed support for the idea of a transatlantic standard, which she said would force countries such as China to follow suit.
Hornby and Lego -- Europe’s biggest toy maker -- expressed some concern that any new legislation could hinder their industry’s future.
“We have concerns about the scope and any overzealous adoption of any new regulation which might prevent competition in the market,” Hornby Chief Executive Frank Martin said after a meeting of Europe’s major toy makers in Brussels.
Lego CEO Jorgen V. Knudstorp said: “We must make sure this is sensible legislation. We have concerns that these rules, if not properly thought through, could damage new innovation and new producers.”
European and U.S. lawmakers have criticized current regulations in the wake of the recall of more than 20 million toys worldwide last year because of excessive levels of lead paint and other unsafe components.
U.S. companies said they favor an independent third party and are opposed to any authority set up by the EU’s executive commission or any U.S. federal agency.
“We prefer a more transparent approach,” said Carter Keithley, president of the U.S. Toy Industry Assn.
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