International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) was formed in 1974 as an association of toy trade associations from around the world. In recognition of concerns for lawful, fair, safe and healthy work environment for those employed in the manufacture of toys ICTI adopted a Code of Business Practices in 1995. In 1996, this was expanded and a Fire Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Guide was also adopted to encourage such conditions in toy factories around the world. Since, then, ICTI members have twice revised the code as this continues to be a priority for toy manufacturers. A number of major toy brands and retailers accept audits against this code.

THE ICTI PRINCIPLES CONSIST OF FIFTEEN ELEMENTS

Compliance with Laws and

Workplace Regulations

Working Hours

Wages & Compensation

Underage Labor

Prison Labor

Forced Labor

Disciplinary Practice

Discrimination

Employee Presentation

Facilities

Fire Protection

General Environmental Health and

Safety(EHS)

ICTI audit challenge and ICTI certification benefit

ICTI certification is the most strict among all popular social compliance audits. ICTI certification usually will cost about 6 months, from ICTI registration to ICTI certificate issue. And some of factories can not obtain such certificate within 1 year for some requirements do not comply. In the meantime, the whole ICTI certification will cost much, which include ICTI registration fee, audit fee, consulting fee, facility improvement cost, and so on.

But more and more retailers and toy companies, including WAL-MART, Mattel, etc, require toy factories to obtain ICTI certificates; otherwise, they will not place orders or allow shipment.

ICTI audited factories will benefit importers very much, which will facilitate them to place orders to these factories immediately as well as reduce sourcing risks.

Mean-How can help importers search and select suitable ICTI audited factories according to the detailed sourcing requirements of importers. We can also help importers provide training and consultation to their factories so that they can improve their working conditions as per ICTI principles and finally obtain ICTI certificates.