Toy Recalls

While toy recalls declined in 2009 compared with 2008, toy recalls still represent some of the largest product recalls in the history of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – the agency that oversees product safety and enforces product recall requirements.

Hundreds of thousands of toys have been the target of toy recalls for health and safety reasons in recent years. Three of the primary causes of toy recalls are lead paint, choking hazards, and hazards due to lacerations.

And toy manufacturers and retailers are now exposed to significantly larger fines from the CPSC, not mention their exposure to civil penalties from legal action taken by consumers.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers are becoming more aware of CPSC compliance issues and consumer concerns, and are planning more carefully for recall preparedness. The recall logistics for large toy recalls are very complex. Recall managers are examining CPSC recall requirements in order to be better prepared to manage a recall, knowing that the CPSC will conduct a recall effectiveness evaluation should there be toy recall.

Some of the most popular and nationally recognized toy brands have had to manage a recall. With even more stringent regulations now in place, toy manufacturers and retailers can call on recall experts to ensure recall compliance is achieved and company risk mitigated.