ANSI and Toy Industry Association form partnership.
Press Release Summary:
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) and ANSI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the accreditation program of TIA's developing Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP). The TSCP was created by TIA with the help of ANSI, consumer advocates, conformity assessment experts, toy companies, and retailers to improve toy safety and implement the new federal law requiring that manufacturers have their toy products tested by a qualified lab and certify that they meet safety standards.
Original Press Release:
Partnership on Toy Safety Certification Program
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in support of the accreditation program of TIA's developing Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP).
"We are proud that ANSI is a part of the TSCP and the official accreditor of its product certification bodies," said Elizabeth Borrelli, Executive Director, TSCP, Toy Industry Association. "The Toy Safety Certification Program goes beyond what is required by the new federal legislation and identifies and remedies problems before toys enter the supply chain. ANSI's involvement lends credibility, strength and rigor to our system."
The TSCP was created by TIA with the help of ANSI, consumer advocates, conformity assessment experts, toy companies, and retailers to improve toy safety, restore consumer confidence, and implement the new federal law requiring that manufacturers have their toy products tested by a qualified lab and certify that they meet safety standards. The program will be further developed and tested through 2008.
Under the MoU, ANSI's assessment of the competence of product certification bodies will be determined by requirements in the international standard ISO/IEC Guide 65, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems, the associated International Accreditation Forum Guidance Document, and program requirements for the TSCP.
"ANSI is pleased to partner with TIA and play an ongoing role in the development and implementation of programs that help to keep our children safe," said Lane Hallenbeck, vice president of accreditation services at ANSI. "The Toy Safety Certification Program marks a significant step forward in assuring integrity and consistency in toy safety certification. We look forward to adding value as a globally recognized, neutral, third-party accreditor."
About the Toy Industry Association
TIA has a long history of leadership in the development of toy safety standards. As the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market, TIA represents over 500 manufacturers and importers of toys who account for approximately 85 percent of all toys distributed in the North America. For more information about the TSCP and TIA's commitment to toy safety, please visit www.toyassociation.org.
About ANSI
ANSI is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.
