The Toy Association Urges CPSC to Prioritize Oversight on Counterfeits in Agency’s 2023 Priorities

April 28, 2022 | The Toy Association’s Owen Caine, vice president of government affairs, testified virtually before the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 27, urging the Commission to support key areas for children’s product safety in its 2023 priorities.

Joining a panel of five organizations, including doctors and nonprofits, Caine reiterated support for Congress to increase its financial backing of the CPSC to effectively “do the job it was tasked to do,” and encouraged the Commission to seek additional funding to address oversight on dangerous counterfeit products coming into the U.S., which pose a threat to children.

“These products do not follow the prerequisite laws and standards which pose a potential danger to children and families,” said Caine. “All businesses selling toys in the U.S. must be held to the same high safety standards. We highly encourage the CPSC to prioritize enforcement at key points of entry for these dangerous products, including U.S. ports, and by working with USPS, FedEx, UPS, and other shipping organizations to crack down on a dangerous and largely unregulated problem.”

At the hearing, Commissioner Peter Feldman discussed creating a portal for businesses to report counterfeit products to federal agencies. The tool would also potentially serve to improve communication about counterfeits among agencies, including the CPSC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to Feldman.

The hearing also addressed the need for comprehensive regulations on the proper way to enclose batteries in electronics (for which the highly effective toy standard is frequently cited), improving and expediting the port inspection process, and engaging additional lab resources to handle toy testing and reduce delays.

“The Toy Association looks forward to continuing our long-standing relationship and collaborative efforts with the CPSC as we further our shared objectives, which include ensuring the safety of children and families everywhere,” added Caine.

A recording of the full hearing can be accessed here.