In the wake of the toy

In the wake of the toy recalls, Chinese officials and regulators took several steps. In mid-August, the Beijing government established a cabinet-level committee, headed by Vice Premier Wu Yi, to improve the quality and safety of Chinese products. It suspended the export licenses of two companies, Hanshen Wood Factory (which had made some lead-painted Thomas & Friends toys recalled by another company) and Lee Der Indus- trial. Zhang Shuhong, one of the owners of Lee Der Industrial, reportedly killed himself by hanging in a factory warehouse shortly afterward.8 In September, the government introduced a new food and toy recall system and announced a “special war” to crack down on poor-quality products and unlicensed manufacturers. Beijing’s largest state-run television network began broadcasting a special called “Believe in Made in China,” featuring interviews with government regulators, reports on China’s biggest companies, and segments on foreign buyers of Chinese goods. The government also agreed to prohibit the use of lead paint on toys exported to the United States, to increase inspections of its exports, and to hold regular talks with American safety regulators.

In September 2007, as the hearings commenced, many of the key players in the toy safety crisis gathered to offer their perspectives to members of the Senate. Those testifying included representatives of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the consumer advocacy organization Consumers Union, the American National Standards Institute, the Toy Industry Association, the retailer Toys “R” Us, and Mattel.

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Acting Commissioner Nancy A. Nord offered the following comments at the hearing:

I would like to report to you in more detail today on the initiatives that the CPSC has undertaken in recent years to address the growth in imports and to relate to you what actions we are planning for the future. . . .

The issue of Chinese imports cannot be adequately addressed by any one remedy but rather requires a multi-pronged approach to the problem. The CPSC’s plan of action includes dialogue and initiatives with the Chinese government; working with the private sector including Chinese manufacturers directly; increased surveillance and enforcement activities at the borders and within the marketplace; and modernization of our governing statutes.