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ICON DECODER

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Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies. They are not a comment on the product itself.
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Collectables

The Guide > Toys > Toys > Collectables 

Toys & China

Many toys are produced in factories operating under sweatshop-like conditions. Despite protests, the industry continues to source toys from factories with documented labour and human rights violations.

Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations.   [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
  • Toys last a lot longer than kids' interest in them so keep them moving around. Pass them on to family and friends (and tell everyone you're happy to get hand-me-downs as presents), join your local Freecycle, seek out used toy fairs, buy and sell used toys online or join a local toy library.
  • Choose Australian made toys, available at websites such as www.playtolearn.com.au, www.ecotoys.com.au, www.entropy.com.au, www.woodentoysaustralia.com.au   [More links ...]
  • Choose 'China-free' toys from companies such as Playmobil and Lego, who manufacture most of their products in Europe.
BRAND COMPANY OWNED RATING
Ooshies  HeadStart   Australian Owned  Some praise, no criticism2
Shopkins  Moose Toys   Australian Owned  Some praise, no criticism2
Trash Pack  Moose Toys   Australian Owned  Some praise, no criticism2
Zelfs  Moose Toys   Australian Owned  Some praise, no criticism2
Squinkies  Blip Toys  
Distributor: Toys 'R' Us ANZ  
USA  No rating3
Kung Zhu  Cepia   USA  No rating3
Zhu Zhu Pets  Cepia   USA  No rating3
RainBocorns  ZURU   HKG  No rating3
ZURU  ZURU   HKG  No rating3
furReal  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
Lost Kitties  Hasbro Australia   (Hasbro) USA  Praises, some criticism4
LOL Surprise  MGA Entertainment   USA  Criticisms6
Hatchimals  Spin Master   CAN  Criticisms6



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