In September 2020, the European Commission has drafted a Commission Directive amending Directive 2009/48/EC as regards specific limit values for aniline in certain toys.

Testing specialists SGS gains China Compulsory Certification to help manufacturers sell toys into the region. The testing and certification company, SGS, has gained accreditation to test toys against the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) standard at its laboratory in Hong Kong. The development means that SGS can now carry out testing against the CCC standards and guide manufacturers through the process in its facilities in China.

On August 27, Alpha Entertainment released the 2020 semi-annual report. In the first half of the year, Alpha’s toys, licensing businesses and movies were all affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and achieved operating income of 1.088 billion yuan, an overall year-on-year decrease of 19.97%; of which, the toy business achieved operating income of 391 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 36.23%, whereas the baby products business achieved a year-on-year increase of 6.51% with income of 460 million yuan.

Amid great global economic uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, China's foreign trade sector has delivered better-than-expected performances so far this year, with cross-border e-commerce providing impetus.

Kraft Heinz and ZURU have teamed up to create miniature toys of popular food brands. The food and beverage company has teamed up with toy company on the 5 Surprise Mini Brands collectible craze. As part of the deal, nearly six dozen of Kraft Heinz's branded consumer products will be miniaturized.

ACTOYS was established in 2001 and has been in development for nearly 19 years. In 2014, it received an angel round of investment from Innovation Works and u17.com worth one million yuan. Recently, the company has been undergoing some commercial changes. The original shareholders including Ganbei Capital, Sanqian Capital, and Gongqingcheng Shangqi Investment have all withdrawn from the company.

Tencent, one of the largest integrated Internet service providers in China and one of the world’s top 500 enterprises, has ramped up its investment in Chengdu to expand into the cultural and creative industry. Recently, Tencent inked an investment and cooperation agreement with Chengdu High-tech Zone (CDHT) on Tencent’s new cultural and creative headquarters project, marking the launch of the tech giant’s first functional headquarters in the country.

The company announced a formal kickoff for the new program with the addition of several new consumer products partners for the U.S. market. New licensees for Bakugan include Funko (Pop! Vinyl figures and accessories); Super Impulse USA (novelty toys); Jakks Pacific/Disguise (costume and dress up); Finesse Skateboards; Scholastic (publishing); Isaac Morris Ltd. (kids apparel); Ripple Junction (adult and junior apparel).

ISO 8124-1 has been amended to include new and updated requirements such as: flying toys, toy assemblies and expanding materials. ISO 8124-1 is the international standard that follows the changes in EN 71-1 and ASTM F963 and aims to achieve global harmonization.

Toy industry sales increased by 9%* in the first half of 2020 (Jan. – June) across the 12 global markets tracked by The NPD Group, a leading global information company. The United States experienced the highest percentage growth at 16%, followed by Canada (9%), Germany (9%), UK (8%), and Netherlands (6%).