United States importers and Chinese toy manufacturers are both responsible for ensuring the products they distribute are safe, a US government official said in Hong Kong yesterday.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Director of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs Richard O'Brien told reporters that US importers should check that manufacturers they buy from have complied with US safety standards.

Last year, some small-scale importers were unaware of the safety standards, and could not inform the manufacturers of what they are, he said.

O'Brien said the US Congress will resume discussion of two bills aimed at tightening product safety measures. Should the legislations be implemented, a Chinese translation would be available to help manufacturers be fully informed of the standards their products must meet.

Legislations would also require US importers and retailers to conduct sampling and testing to ensure safety.

"If the industry is going to get through this problem, they are going to have to get everybody to participate 100 percent; that also includes the retailers," O'Brien said.

China sold 22 billion toys overseas in 2006, accounting for 60 percent of world's toy distribution.

The industry faced a severe hurdle last year after a series of product recalls took millions of toys off shelves.

A source familiar with the situation said that toy giant Mattel - among the toy recallers had already implemented supply management controls before the recalls, but the manufacturer then bought paint he should not have used.

The source said it was Mattel's responsibility to work with the manufacturer to fix the problem, and the toy giant would still be held responsible under US laws.

O'Brien said it would be a burden for manufacturers to meet the safety standards of different countries without help.

O'Brien said the number of toy problems would be reduced if all parties involved implemented the safety measures.

(HK Edition 01/11/2008 page1)