Panel marked the approach of the sixth edition of Kids India, scheduled to take place from 4th-6th September.

The organisers of Spielwarenmesse India staged a panel discussion in New Delhi on 20th July, providing the representatives of India’s toy and children’s products industry with an exclusive insight into Toy Safety Standards in India. The discussion on toy safety was followed with interest by decision makers from international and Indian toy manufacturers and the retail sector.

Presiding over the discussion was Vivek Jhangiani, director of The All India Toy Manufacturers Association (TAITMA), director of ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) and chairman of Toy Committee FICCI. The speaker line-up also included Katharina Janotta, managing director Spielwarenmesse India, and Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG.

There is general consensus in the industry that strict guidelines for production and testing processes are essential for raising the bar for safe toys. Comprising leaders from the toy industry, accreditation bodies and testing laboratories, the panelists demonstrated that manufacturers and retailers of repute had already taken steps to adopt practices that guarantee market-safe and high-quality products. Similarly, the sector acknowledges the need to educate consumers, particularly parents, about what is safe by providing the right information.

The discussion laid emphasis on the research, processes, quality standards and safety protocols required to create innovative toys that offer a balanced mixture of learning and fun.

Ernst Kick, CEO, Spielwarenmesse eG, commented: “First and foremost, it’s in the hands of the exhibitors to bring safe toys to the market. We are well aware of the responsibility of hosting a million products and 100,000 innovations at the Spielwarenmesse every year and also see ourselves as an information platform for the toy industry. It is the task of manufacturers, trade associations, buyers and the respective government to set standards that would be globally valid. Everyone should do their part to make the world safer for our children – regardless of their origin. Toys must be high-quality, safe and affordable and, of course, have a high value of play. Focused on bringing together leading minds in the Indian toy industry, our Spielwarenmesse Panel Discussion gave a perspective on the importance of providing safe and quality toys in India.”