Industry backs "sensible" new global safety standard

By Darren Ennis

BRUSSELS, Aril 9 (Reuters) - Top toymakers backed plans on Wednesday for a mandatory global safety standard for toys to prevent unsafe products from reaching the consumer, but said it must not be a barrier to innovation or entry into the market.

The European Union is mulling new legislation in the area of toy safety, while the United States has proposed a stricter, independently verified regulation for toys following a spate of recalls -- mostly of Chinese goods -- in 2007.

Brussels and Washington are due to hold talks in June in a bid to reach a trans-Atlantic agreement, which they hope could pave the way for a global safety mark.

Leading toymakers such as Mattel Inc (MAT.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Hasbro (HAS.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Hornby (HRN.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said they favour an independent global standard, but are concerned over its scope and how it should be policed.

Last week EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva also backed the idea of a trans-Atlantic standard, which she said would force countries such as China to follow suit.

Hornby and Lego -- Europe's biggest toymaker -- expressed some concern that any new legislation could hinder their industry's future.

"We have concerns about the scope and any overzealous adoption of any new regulation which might prevent competition in the market," Hornby chief executive Frank Martin told Reuters following a meeting of Europe's major toymakers in Brussels.

Lego CEO, Jorgen V Knudstorp said:"We must make sure this is sensible legislation. We have concerns that these rules, if not properly thought through could damage new innovation and new producers."