Toy Association Leads Efforts to Amend Outdated Stuffed Toy Law in Ohio

June 27, 2025 | The Toy Association™ is spearheading efforts to amend Ohio’s outdated stuffed toy law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3713), which currently prohibits the use of recycled materials in any stuffed toys manufactured or sold within the state.

This restriction, modeled on old legislative language in Pennsylvania, mandates that all stuffed toys use only new, virgin materials, even when recycled content meets strict safety and quality standards. Ohio is now the only state in the U.S. enforcing such a ban, making it a top priority for the Association following its success in modernizing Pennsylvania’s outdated law last year.

For the past year, The Toy Association has led active discussions with the Ohio Department of Commerce to highlight the inefficiencies this outdated law creates for manufacturers and retailers. Most recently, Department of Commerce Director Sheryl Maxfield was invited by The Toy Association to Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Ohio warehouse and distribution center, offering a first-hand look at how the restriction complicates operations and undermines sustainability goals.

Although The Toy Association has worked with the Department of Commerce to develop amendment language, legislative leaders did not act on the Association’s request to include the updates in the state budget bill this year. Advocacy efforts will continue to advance standalone legislation.

“Ohio is the last state in the nation still banning recycled content in stuffed toys, a policy that’s out of step with today’s sustainability standards,” said Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs at The Toy Association. “This law not only limits manufacturers’ ability to use safe, certified recycled materials, but also forces unnecessary costs and inefficiencies on companies operating in Ohio.”

The Toy Association will continue efforts on the ground in Ohio and will keep members apprised of new developments. Members may contact Charlotte Hickcox, director of state government affairs at The Toy Association, with any questions.