Toy Industry Association Calls for Inspections and Regulations

While the TIA is calling for regulations on toys sold here in the United States in the wake of the recent wave of recalls, a debate is occurring:

• Is it time for the US to reclaim the job of manufacturing of the toys sold here?
• Should there be national standards that must be met?
• Will this cost us more and will it kill off the small, independent toy companies?
  

While collectors may pay more for domestically produced toys, the general consumer demands lower prices. With the big box retailers squeezing manufacturer margins and the internet still not providing a truly viable alternative the chances of that happening are slim to none.

Patriotism will only take you so far, especially when the cost of labor in this country is in many cases multiples of 10x the cost abroad.

Part of producing domestic or abroad is meeting standards. These manufacturers must begin to exert some control over thier suppliers and strategic partners so that they meet a common set of standards for safety and for quality. That means writing it into thier contracts. Mattel and Hasbro need to lead the way. They're the ones who will make it easier for the smaller companies to identify the best options. The factories that consistently produce without falling short will benefit and it will put pressure on the others to get the job done. China does not want to be known as the low-cost, low-quality producer. They want to move closer to the type of quality and prestige that Japan is currently associated with.

Are regulations going to increase prices?

Probably...

Are regulations going to put some smaller companies out of business?

Probably...

That's part of the business, and this is an area that absolutely should have been regulated a lot earlier. Toy inspections should be done on every product sold in this country. It doesn't matter if it was made in China or the US, if it's sold here it must meet the standards that are set here.