Toy Safety Information - A Guide
Appendix D
About the BTHA
The BTHA (British Toy and Hobby Association) was founded in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today, the Association has around 200 members who, between them, are responsible for over 95% of the British market for toys and games valued at £1 .6bn. The BTHA also organises the annual Toy Fair at EXCEL in London Docklands, as well as British participation of overseas trade fairs.
The BTHA considers its most important duty is to promote the highest possible standards of safety in design and manufacture of toys and in 1989, launched the now very familiar Lion Mark to assist consumers in identifying safe toys.
The BTHA also directly encourages good practice in advertising to children. It has initiated and funded research work on children and aggression, has published a comprehensive guide to members on advertising to children and makes compliance with the ITC and CAP codes of practice, a condition of membership of the BTHA.
Active support is given by the Association to the Code of Business Practices published by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) which has as its aim the provision of good labour and working conditions for employees particularly in overseas toy factories.
The BTHA seeks to encourage conditions of free trade for its members' industrial and commercial operations, which are worldwide in scope. Through its membership of the Toy Industries of Europe (TIE), the BTHA has been active in opposing trade barriers, both within the single European market and globally. The BTHA supported the GATT zero tariff initiative and opposes any EU trade difference measures, which impose unwanted protection on the toy industry and will help in the development of future European legislation, such as the Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive.
Contents
Introduction - How to use this guide
The CE Mark, the Lion Mark and the Approved Lion Mark
Toy Safety Regulations and Standards
What is a toy?
Advising customers on toys for children under 3 years (Age labelling and age warnings, 'Under supervision', Choke Hazard Test
Electrical and battery powered toys, Chemical toys and age warnings for older children, Accoustics and toys
Appendices A & B : About the TRA & TRA Code of Practice
Appendices C & D : BTHA Code of Practice and About the BTHA
Appendix E : Other sources of information
Toy Safety Problem : Contact Details