Toy and Game Distributors and Wholesalers Key Terms

Learn terms that will help prevent recalls in your toy and game business

By Laurie Edwards

If you own a toy and game business, you need to be aware of the many rules and regulations that apply to sales to children. Some of these laws include special labeling to prevent choking. Legislation also requires testing for lead and other chemicals that could harm children. In addition, toys and games must have tracking labels.

When choosing toys or games from distributors or wholesalers, sellers should verify that the merchandise they select meets all government standards. Checking to make sure that all goods you purchase meet these requirements will help reduce the risk of recalls.

Toy-testing laboratories

Toy-testing laboratories play an important part in the manufacturing and sale of toys and games. All products need to be tested to be sure they are safe for children to use. Verifying that all the products you select from toy and game distributors and wholesalers have been tested protects you against lawsuits and recalls.
Try: USA TODAY describes what happens in toy-testing laboratories.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), also know as HR4040, covers consumer product safety legislation. This act has sections that cover safety requirements for toy and game manufacturers. Keeping current with these rules ensures that the products you sell meet government standards.
Try: The Toy Industry Association provides an overview of the legislation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a list of the most recent legislation on toy and game safety regulations.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a technique for scanning toys for lead-based paints. Because selling products that contain lead is illegal, it is important that all toys be scanned for lead before offering them for sale.
Try: Thermo Fisher Scientific provides information on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.

Tracking labels

All products intended for use by children ages 12 or younger must contain a tracking label. If any defects are discovered in the toy or game, this label indicates the manufacturer, country of origin, and even the batch number, making it easier to recall defective products.
Try: The Consumer Product Safety Commission details the rules that apply to tracking labels.

Choking hazard label

A choking hazard label must be placed on all toys or games that have small parts. This label warns parents that children under the age of three should not use the toy or game, because they might swallow the part. Manufacturers also place these labels on merchandise that is dangerous for older children to use.
Try: Nasco shows pictures of the various choking hazard labels and explains the regulations.

Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP)

The Toy Industry Association began the Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP) to assist its members in verifying that any toys they purchase from distributors or wholesalers comply with government safety regulations.
Try: The Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP) homepage describes the program and contains links to frequently asked questions and to its program.