Stop the sale of unsafe toys

The TRA is asking government to level the playing field for reputable retailers by ensuring only safe toys are sold in the UK. As part of the PRaM consultation we are asking for online platforms and their third-party sellers to be properly regulated and prevented from selling unsafe toys to UK consumers. The TRA consultation response made clear members only want safe, compliant toys in the hands of UK consumers but online platforms have created a pipeline of illegal toys that must be shut off by new government regulation. Now is the time to level the playing field to support UK businesses, UK workers and most importantly UK consumers.

Market Surveillance and Enforcement

The TRA has responded to the market surveillance and enforcement framework consultation to ask for more powers to close the loophole and allow enforcement against online marketplaces and their sellers; by doing so to level the playing field for our reputable members. We have asked that fines and penalties for non-compliance are able to be applied to platforms and their sellers, as well as UK companies. We advocated for any enforcement action to take into consideration the general reputation and behaviour of companies to ensure repeat offenders or those not working with UK enforcement are given the toughest penalties.

Low Value Imports

The TRA responded to the government consultation on the impact of low value imports into the UK. We have advocated for the government to take immediate action to remove the £135 'de minimis' customs exemptions. Our members are paying customs duties and taxes with full customs entry requirements while overseas sellers have an unfair advantage. We need our government to immediately suspend the 'de minimis' to close the tax loophole and level the playing field for domestic retailers, whilst raising import revenues for the UK economy and we do not believe changes can wait until 2028.

Business Rates

This government promised to support the high street as it came into power, and had indicated it would make significant changes to rates to support small independent traders up and down the country. Yet their "transformation of business rates" has hit small independent companies the hardest. The TRA advocates for the government to look again at reforming the rates so it can truly support small independent businesses to encourage growth, innovation and investment. We ask that the current small retailer relief is made permanent and we encourage the government to give additional relief on business rates to high street premises to encourage a reinvestment in town centres.

High Streets

Many members of the TRA are located on high streets and in city centres across the UK and Ireland and have seen footfall decrease significantly in recent years. We need the government to support those retailers with a package of reforms that will make a meaningful difference. Tackling anti-social behaviour and rising levels of theft, tackling graffiti and eliminating parking charges would all help to encourage more shoppers back into town. We believe the mix of companies makes a difference. Don't let stores stand empty and ensure there is diversity in the offering. Rather than too many vape shops, barbers and charity shops, intersperse those with innovative pop-up shops, encourage social enterprises to utilise the spaces, develop community medical centres and give people a reason to come back to town.

Accessible safe play for all children

We believe in the power of play. Play is the way children learn the skills they need for life. And toys are the tools of play – they can lengthen the play experience and act as the catalyst for play. Traditional play patterns encourage children to put aside their screens, if only for a little while(!), to experience the world around them and build social and communication skills. Toys are designed to encourage the amazing benefits of play from teaching children the skills they need to go to school to emotional and physical development. We advocate for a wider understanding of the many ways play and toys can contribute to a healthy and happy childhood.