Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) successfully convened the 28th Plenary Meeting of ISO/TC 181 "Safety of Toys" from November 16 to 21, bringing together global industry leaders, regulatory experts, and academics to advance innovation and sustainability in toy safety standards.

The 28th Plenary Meeting of ISO/TC 181 "Safety of Toys" is held in SZTU. [Photo/Party Committee Publicity Department]

The event, jointly organized by SZTU and Certification Center of Light Industry Council Co., LTD under the auspices of Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC), attracted over 60 international experts from top toy brands such as LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, and Pop Mart, alongside representatives from leading testing and certification bodies and delegates from over 15 countries and regions. With more than 300 faculty and students participating, the meeting served as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on emerging challenges in toy design, materials science, and global compliance.

In her opening address, Zhang Yanhong, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of Committee for Discipline Inspection, highlighted the university's commitment to bridging academic research and industrial application. "As an institution dedicated to 'academia for application,' SZTU actively translates cutting-edge research into actionable standards, reinforcing our role in cultivating talent capable of driving global industry innovation," she stated. The university's leadership in toy safety standardization was underscored by its contribution to 4 of the 12 published ISO toy safety standards, demonstrating its growing influence in international technical governance.

Christian Wetterberg, senior director of product safety and compliance at the LEGO Group and executive chair of ISO/TC 181 [Photo/Quality and Standards Academy]

Ying GAO, senior quality manager at Mattel Group [Photo/Quality and Standards Academy]

Rodney Thu, quality director at Hasbro Group [Photo/Quality and Standards Academy]

Chen Xiaoyun, vice president of Pop Mart Group [Photo/Quality and Standards Academy]

The agenda featured specialized sessions on critical areas such as mechanical and physical properties, plasticizer regulations, chemical toy safety, and elemental migration testing, addressing pressing industry needs related to product design, material selection, and market access. The Industry Expert Forum on Quality and Compliance of Toys enabled experts to share best practices in risk management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable material adoption. Technical visits to local manufacturing facilities further showcased Shenzhen's innovative capacity, offering insights into supply chain collaboration and "Made in China" quality advancements.

As the ISO 8124 series standards serve as the universal technical benchmark for global toy trade, outcomes from this meeting are expected to streamline international safety protocols, reduce technical barriers, and foster safer, more sustainable toy production worldwide. SZTU aims to build on this momentum by deepening its engagement in standardization research, translating academic insights into globally adopted standards, and preparing students to become versatile leaders in the field.

Drafted by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Revised by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department

Edited by Brian（郑斌）/ International Cooperation and Exchanges Department