In recent years, International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) has made great effort to promote the certification of CARE Process, which is still one of the focuses on “Toy Safety Conference for Chinese Manufacturers”.

  The ICTI Code of Business Practices, or ICTI CARE Process, is the name given to the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring fair labour treatment in the industry supply chain, worldwide. The purpose of the CARE Process is to enable the worldwide toy industry to assure the consumer that its products are manufactured in safe and humane environments. To achieve this, its intent is to provide a single, fair, thorough and consistent monitoring program for toy factories.

  In fact, ICTI CARE Foundation, the parent of the ICTI CARE Process, is independent nonprofit organization to ensure the fair and right practice of ICTI CARE Process. Its responsibilities include releasing policy, authorizing budget, evaluating and making decision on suggestion of its technical adviser committee, as well as providing guidance and making reports.

  Christian J. Ewert, President & CEO, makes a speck on the conference on latest development of ICTI CARE Progress and the strategy 2007.

  It is know that, as of May 31st, 2007, applications/registrations amount to 1,110 factories, and 485 factories are working towards the Seal of Compliance. Seals of Compliance issued are 625.

  With efforts of all aspects, increasingly more global retailers have recognized and adopted ICTI standard. At the beginning of this April, retailing giant Wal-Mart’s participation has extreme effect. Known from staff with entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureaus of Jiangsu and Guangdong, TOY INDUSTRY finds that, number of factories applying for ICTI CARE Process has soared up for these months, which can be considered in close relationship with Wal-Mart’s approach, who adopts the practice as one of its standard when checking suppliers.

  Presently, global retailers that have adopted ICTI standards also involve Argos, ASTRA, Chelsea Stores, Trust-Mart, La Grande Recre, Tesco, TRU, Woolworth, etc.

  Since around 75 percent toys in western market is made in China, Ewert notes that, the process will still focused in China. The Foundation will keep on growing and    strengthening the CARE Process. According to its plan, registrations will exceed 1.500 factories and 1,000 Seals of Compliance to factories will be issued in 2007.  

  Currently, there are totally 6 audit institutes are authorized by ICTI, but ICTI intends to increase the numbers, and now is negotiating with 14 units.