The Toy Association™ continues to lead robust advocacy efforts on behalf of the toy industry, achieving legislative milestones and engaging with influential members of Congress and other government officials to address issues facing the toy industry.

Last week, Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association, and staff from the Association’s global government & regulatory affairs team, met with Congressmen Rob Wittman (R-Virginia, co-chair of the Toy Caucus), Jerry Nadler (D-New York), and James Clyburn (D-South Carolina) to advocate for the passage of the SHOP Safe Act, which would protect consumers from harmful counterfeit products sold online. Versions of the bill have been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and it now awaits committee votes in each chamber before moving to a full vote and becoming law.

Discussions were productive, as the Association emphasized the urgent need for the bill's passage to ensure consumer safety. Additional topics discussed with the legislators included mitigating the impact of tariffs on toys, supply chain challenges, and ensuring fair trade practices, especially with China.

“The Toy Association is a strong advocate for the toy industry, ensuring that its voice is heard and its needs are met through our legislative efforts,” said Ahearn. “We were able to convey the critical importance of the SHOP SAFE Act for consumer protection and the broader toy industry, in addition to raising key issues impacting businesses every day. We are optimistic about the progress that was made, and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Toy Association staff also met with representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) to discuss ongoing collaboration with each organization.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce regularly advocates on intellectual property issues and focuses on small business growth, aligning with the Association’s goals and commitment to emerging companies within the toy industry. As a result of the conversations, The Toy Association is exploring membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to leverage additional support for these issues.

The Association’s ongoing relationship with the ITA is essential for addressing technical barriers to trade; the ITA helps mitigate measures and unaligned standards that restrict international trade, ensuring that U.S. companies can compete fairly in global markets. This collaboration also provides the Association with timely alerts and notifications regarding proposed international trade actions, allowing for proactive engagement and response on behalf of membership.

These meetings are a part of The Toy Association’s year-round advocacy work. From protecting businesses on state, federal, and international levels, to helping navigate obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to get toys effectively and safely into consumers’ hands, The Toy Association team works to ensure that toy businesses of all sizes can thrive amidst regulatory complexities and logistical hurdles.

“Following a landmark victory last month, when The Toy Association successfully sponsored legislation to lift a long-held ban on the use of recycled materials in all stuffed toys manufactured and sold within Pennsylvania (effective August 27), staff is now focusing efforts on Ohio, initiating conversations with regulators to update its administrative laws — which currently rely on Pennsylvania's outdated standards — to legalize recycled filling in stuffed products,” added Ed Desmond, executive vice president of global government and regulatory affairs at The Toy Association. “This important work aims to helps streamline production for manufacturers while promoting environmental sustainability.”

As The Toy Association continues to meet with legislators, draft legislation impacting toy manufacturers and retailers, and hold meetings with Congressional leaders, members are encouraged to add their voices to these important conversations. The best way to do so is by joining one or more of The Toy Association’s advocacy committees. Contact Ed Desmond, executive vice president of global government and regulatory affairs, to learn more.