Latest News

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.