Toy safety is once again under the spotlight, as reports emerged last week concerning the presence of the toxic metal cadmium in Chinese-made children’s jewellery. The issue was brought home as toy manufacturers and government regulators gathered for this year’s Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference, 13 January, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The annual forum is a valuable opportunity for the industry to get the latest global product safety directives, particularly from the key toy-importing countries of the United States and the European Union.
"The emerging issue of heavy-metal substitutes clearly demonstrates the need for regulators to increase cooperation. Cost should never justify irresponsibility,” said Richard O’Brien, Director of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The event, and another forum, the APEC Toy Safety Initiative, were held during last week’s HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair.