Apply for Membership

Application for BTHA Membership – Part 1

Back to application summary

There are five main requirements for membership of the Association:

The applicant:

(1) Must be involved in the British toy and hobby industry.
(2) Must be trading in the UK.
(3) Must only deal in products which conform to the essential safety requirements of the Toy Safety Directive.
(4) Must carry out all the obligations required of the company as required by the Toy Safety Directive.
(5) Must hold the technical documentation required by the Toy Safety Directive and the documentation to demonstrate that the obligations have been carried out.

Full Membership

Full membership is open to persons, firms or companies being suppliers of products related to the toy and hobby industry whose standing in the United Kingdom is such, as in the opinion of Council, to render them eligible for membership of the Association. Full members pay a subscription fee according to their UK toy-related turnover for the last 12 month financial period at factory prices.

Associate Membership

Associate membership is available to persons, firms or companies not falling within the full member specification detailed above.

This content is exclusive to full BTHA Members and you must be logged in to view it.

If you are a full member please login here.

OK

© 2021 | British Toy & Hobby Association

Toy Safety
Safety in the design and manufacture of toys is the BTHA’s highest priority and all members of the BTHA are required to adhere to the Code of Practice and ensure that all products conform to EN 71 and, where appropriate, EN 62115 (electrical toys).
Environmental
Promoting environmental sustainability is a core part of our work at the BTHA. Our members make an annual commitment to reduce their environmental impact across product and packaging design, production and distribution wherever possible.
Data Protection
We provide information for members to help them to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. We also facilitate contributions to discussions on offering services, play and communications with children and their families.
Connected Toys
Toys connecting to the internet are becoming increasingly popular. To ensure these toys are safe for the users, we have produced a guidance document for members to refer to when manufacturing the toys to help them manage the risks associated with connected toys.
Responsible Marketing
Open and honest communication with children is a priority for BTHA members. We require members to sign our Code of Practice each year to ensure that they commit to responsible and ethical marketing to children and their families, as well as providing them with the best advice and tips on how to comply with the latest rules and regulations.
Ethical Manufacturing
Ethical manufacturing is key to being a member of the BTHA. Our members are required to apply appropriate ethical standards in the factories used for the manufacture of toys.
Trade
As part of BTHA membership, we strive to keep members informed with the most up to date advice and guidance on industry related issues.
Toy Industry Awards
The Toy Industry Awards celebrate the very best in UK toy retail and product design. Organised by the BTHA with the Toy Retailers Association, the event takes place annually during Toy Fair in January.
Golden Teddies
Seen as the 'People's Oscars', BTHA Golden Teddy Awards are given to reward worthy individuals from all levels of the toy industry whose individual contribution and dedication over the years deserves public recognition.
BTHA Outstanding Contribution
The British Toy & Hobby Association Outstanding Contribution Award recognises individuals and/or organisations for their outstanding contribution to the UK toy industry.
Toy Trust Outstanding Contribution
Toy Trust Outstanding Contribution Awards are presented to people who go above and beyond the level most of us could dream to achieve in raising charitable funds for the Toy Trust and who complete great personal challenges.
BTHA Lifetime Achievement
The BTHA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented only in exceptional circumstances. It is awarded to individuals who have made a truly outstanding and significant contribution to the toy industry.
ITRA Awards
The ITRA World Congress takes place every three years in a different location at which the ‘ITRA – BTHA Prize for outstanding toy research’ is awarded to two recipients.
About Us
The BTHA exists to promote best practice and excellence in all aspects of product design, toy safety, ethical manufacturing, environmental issues and responsible marketing and by so doing protect and promote the interests of our members.
History of the BTHA
The British Toy & Hobby Association was established in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Read more on our history.
The Lion Mark
The Lion Mark was developed in 1988 to perform a function not covered by the CE Mark, namely, to act as a recognisable consumer symbol denoting safety and quality.
The BTHA Trophy Cabinet
We strive to be a trade association that does outstanding work for our members. Our trophy cabinet captures some of our own awards for that work.
Code of Practice
BTHA Members make an annual commitment to the BTHA's Code of Practice which covers ethical manufacturing, compliance with appropriate legislation as well as a commitment to reduce their environmental impact.
Our Members
The BTHA is the official organisation representing manufacturers for Britain’s £3.3 billion toy market. The Association promotes the highest standards of safety and quality in the manufacture of toys, games and playthings.
Brexit
The BTHA has been engaged with Westminster and Whitehall throughout the Brexit process to represent members views, inform policy decisions on the toy industry’s concerns, and translate information from government into guidance for members. This section includes information to help guide members through the Brexit process.
Covid-19
The BTHA is providing information and guidance for Members during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.