A study on the toy safety assessment model

Product safety assessment is an important part of the product development cycle. Without valid certification(s), toy products are not allowed to be sold in many countries (e.g. United States, Europe and China). The toy industry follows a product safety assessment mechanism to test their products and the governing bodies follow a safety mechanism to protect their citizens. Although the US has well-developed toy safety regulations and standards, the number of reported injuries and death cases due to unsafe toys is still increasing during the last decade. This paper studies the safety assessment model that is commonly used in the toy industry. Specifically, this paper discusses (i) testing and labeling pertaining to product certificate, (ii) third party testing, (iii) current toys safety assessment model, and (iv) major toy recall cases in the US.