Exhibitors highlight latest garment, toy, care item trends

	Electronic learning systems were some of the products buyers found at the spring fair.

Buyers were treated to a variety of goods for infants to early teens at the China Sourcing Fair: Baby & Children's Products in Hong Kong. Suppliers from the Greater China region showcased the latest in apparel, toys and care items throughout the four-day event, which ran from April 20 to 23 at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

Among the popular garments were rompers and winter clothes, including padded and soft-shell jackets, overalls and ski pants. Exhibitors displayed girls' swimsuits, boys' beach shorts and animal-themed costumes as well. In addition, the pavilion housed accessories such as animal-shaped school backpacks.

The toys and games section contained newly launched musical plush dolls, baby picture books, nondrying modeling clay kits and printed pongee activity mats. Outdoor play equipment comprising ball pools, transparent tunnels, appliqued playhouses and fire-resistant tents was presented.

Portable nebulizers, pacifier thermometers and inflatable tubs with built-in pumps proved to be crowd-drawers at the baby care and bath area. There were also advanced feeding items such as dual-action microwave-steamer sterilizers and MCU-controlled bottle warmers.

Further, a five-part How to Source from China conference series was conducted during the show. Among the talks was AsiaInspection business development manager David Feig's discussion on procuring safer products. Feig gave a step-by-step guide to reducing the risk of receiving noncompliant releases.

In another presentation, PassageMaker Sourcing Solutions’ China operations director Mike Bellamy provided insights on selecting and negotiating with suppliers. Meanwhile, Silk Road International's CEO David Dayton spoke about streamlining the trade experience. He relayed tips on project management and problem solving.

The China Sourcing Fair: Baby & Children's Products was colocated with the China Sourcing Fairs: Gifts & Premiums and Home Products, and the India Sourcing Fair: Home Products. The recently launched China Sourcing Fair: Medical & Health Products and Korea Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Premiums were also held concurrently.

Product gallery: Garments & Accessories
Product gallery: Toys & Furniture
Product gallery: Travel & Care Products

Recent revisions made to the EU toy safety and REACH regulations were discussed by Bureau Veritas Consumer Product Services' Kenneth Woo and Dr. Chun-Kin Wong during the China Sourcing Fair: Baby & Children's Products conference program.

The two speakers delineated the changes in the EU 88/378/EEC. The modifications were mainly done to regulate and keep the standard abreast of current technological and manufacturing advancements.

In addition, Woo and Wong talked about amendments to the 2009/48/EC. Apart from narrowing the definition and scope of toys, the guideline details the obligations of producers, importers, distributors and other authorized representatives for proper conformance. Further, the directive improves existing rulings for the marketing of playthings.

Essential safety requirements for oral-use toys and those contained within or comingled with food and textile playthings were also discussed. Relevant policies will take effect by July 2011, while chemical-related mandates are applicable in July 2013.

As regards the REACH regulation, Woo and Wong reviewed the covered exemptions and requirements. They also discussed the different substances, mixtures and articles specified, and defined SVHCs. Administrative and criminal penalties for noncompliance were explained as well.