We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • BLOGS & MORE
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • SCQ Forum
      • Reflections
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Toy recalls: Who's really to blame?
Forward Thinking

Toy recalls: Who's really to blame?

December 12, 2007
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

Recalls of Chinese products have been making headlines around the world. Wherever those problems have cropped up, it's been widely assumed that suppliers were at fault. But that may be untrue in many cases, say two Canadian researchers.

Hari Bapuji of the University of Manitoba and Paul Beamish of the University of West London (Ontario) found that product design was by far the most common reason for recalling Chinese-made toys.

The researchers found that of the 550 documented recalls of Chinese-made playthings since 1988, 76 percent could be attributed to design flaws. About 10 percent were attributable to defects such as poor craftsmanship, overheating batteries, lead paint, and inappropriate raw materials. Their report, "Toy Recalls—Is China the Problem?" is based on data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as press releases and annual reports issued by major toy companies.

Harmonizing design and quality standards in developing countries with those of wealthier countries is one possible solution but for now, more careful design and greater vigilance over suppliers are the most effective steps companies can take, the authors suggest. "In a globalized world where design, manufacturing, and consumption of products are separated by large distances, a slippage at any point can affect consumers all over the world," they write. "Therefore, all those involved in the supply chain must make an extra effort to ensure product quality and safety."

[Source: "Toy Recalls—Is China the Problem?" August 2007, Hari Bapuji and Paul Beamish.]

  • Related Articles

    Global air growth slows markedly in March; end of restock cycle to blame

    Product recalls vex most supply chains, survey finds

    Ball State University names logistics center for alum who went on to lead UPS

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

ProMatDX: Facility design in the age of “new” commerce

ProMatDX: Finding sustainable warehouse solutions

ProMatDX 2021: retailers turn to DOM and OMS software to meet shoppers’ high expectations

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • COVID-19 and the health care supply chain: impacts and lessons learned

  • Domino effects of Suez Canal blockage could last for months

  • Do or Die for the Obsolete Supply Chain Management Practices in 2021

  • What type of supply chain strategy drives market cap leadership?

  • Demand for robotic goods-to-person systems to quadruple through 2023

Featured Video

6cabd6ef 64df 4460 bb11 e90c2bdea0a5

Identifying Intralogistics Solutions to Fit Your Operation: LinkedIn Live Ep. 4

Viewer Contributed
As technology evolves, the advantages of using semi- and fully automated solutions to increase productivity and address labor shortages are clear. However, before an organization jumps fully into automation, optimization is a key step that must happen first. Intralogistics solutions, such as Raymond’s iWAREHOUSE and...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Special Report: Supply Chain Trends in Retail & Consumer Goods

  • Operations: Adapt Fast or Disappear

  • Using innovation to manage peak seasonal demand

  • Warehouse Management System Project Toolkit

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2021. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing