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The TOYCRED Scheme |
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TOYCRED Requirements |
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The Legislation |
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Why TOYCRED? |
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How do I get TOYCRED accreditation? |
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How long will it take? |
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Help when you need it |
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The TOYCRED Audit |
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The TOYCRED Logo |
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What do I do now? |
TOYCRED is an accreditation standard for the toy industry developed by and on behalf of the British Toy Importers Association and administered by TOYCRED Limited.
TOYCRED accreditation requires that Members must have appropriate systems in place to demonstrate compliance with all relevant safety legislation - and more. Accreditation to the TOYCRED standard confirms the Member is taking all necessary steps to ensure the products he places on the market are safe.
The TOYCRED Standards are designed to ensure that Members are aware of their responsibilities and can prove that they have complied with administrative requirements imposed by the law.
The TOYCRED Standard requires, amongst other things, that a Member Company
has a person responsible for product safety and compliance issues
has a system for ensuring products supplied comply with all relevant UK & EU Safety legislation
assesses its suppliers for their ability to produce safe products
assesses products for safety before placing them on the market
has a complaints procedure to be followed in the event of issues arising from consumers, customers or enforcement authorities
has up to date product liability insurance
conducts periodic internal auditing of the system
Members are also required to document all of the above in a TOYCRED Manual in which procedures are documented for inspection by the TOYCRED Secretariat and its auditors. The TOYCRED Manual is designed to be a detailed description of the means by which TOYCRED Members comply with the standards.In this way the TOYCRED Scheme ensures the Member company is addressing all those issues arising from the European Directives, UK Acts of Parliament and Regulations for which due diligence systems are relevant.
The principal safety legislation covering toy products
- The UK Consumer Protection Act
- EU Directive 88/378/EEC - Safety of Toys
- The UK Toys (Safety) Regulations
- The General Product Safety Regulations
- The Pencils and Graphic Instruments Safety Regulations
- The Food Imitations Safety Regulations
- ..... many others
Accreditation of your company is an indication that it is managed well and that you have taken the steps necessary to comply with relevant product safety legislation. The accreditation process is independent and you will receive the benefit of an unbiased audit of your processes from outside of your company. Accreditation will provide your customers with the confidence that they are dealing with a reliable supplier who is committed to quality. Accreditation will provide an important part of your due diligence system and will provide evidence that you take all the necessary precautions to ensure the products you supply are safe.
Accreditation provides a useful management tool to ensure that staff are aware of their roles and are playing their part in your system.
TOYCRED offers a common-sense approach to accreditation and focuses only on those issues which add to the quality and efficiency of your company. This focus avoids the need to spend valuable time and resources on matters which do not assist in the day to day running of your business.
How do I get TOYCRED Accreditation
You will have to
- Review your safety systems to ensure that they comply with the TOYCRED Standard
- Ensure that you have a manual which describes the steps you take
- Involve your staff in the setting up of the system
- Apply for TOYCRED Accreditation
Most companies will achieve TOYCRED Accreditation within 3-6 months of deciding to apply. Assistance in setting up the system is available by contacting the TOYCRED Secretariat.
Expert assistance is available should you need assistance to develop your company's procedures and manuals. This service is independent and chargeable.
Following submission of your documented system, an assessor will review the documentation and advise on any omissions or shortcomings to the Standard.
An assessor will subsequently visit your company to conduct an audit of your records to ensure your system is being followed.
A report and recommendation will then be passed to the TOYCRED Secretariat. You may have to submit further written material on matters which the assessor considers were not sufficiently dealt with. This can usually be done by post.
TOYCRED Members are permitted to use the TOYCRED Logo on stationery and in advertising literature. The logo is not designed for use on toy products.
Click on the Application link to receive an official application form.
Following receipt of your application and registration fee, you will be registered to the scheme and sent your own copy of the TOYCRED Standard and supporting documentation.
