Holiday Comforts, Certified Safe: How Ohio Department of Commerce Ensures Stuffed Toys Meet Safety Standards

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As Ohioans put the finishing touches on their holiday shopping, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance says you can rest easy if a stuffed toy was on your shopping list. That's because the Division works year-round to make sure stuffed and squeezable holiday gifts are also safe.

The Division's Bedding, Upholstered Furniture, and Stuffed Toy Section is responsible for enforcing state laws that govern how stuffed toys, bedding, and upholstered furniture are made, imported, and sold in Ohio. Through rigorous inspections and a detailed registration process, the team ensures that every cuddly creature and cozy cushion meets strict health and safety requirements before reaching store shelves in the state.

These efforts are especially critical during the holiday season, when demand for stuffed toys surges. From Jan. 1 until the first week of this December, the Division received and inspected samples of 119 new stuffed toys, making sure they meet safety standards. Before a new stuffed toy is approved to go on a store shelf, the sample must pass this rigorous inspection.

"Even the most adorable stuffed animal can pose risks if not properly made," said Chief Bedding Inspector Rick Selegue. "Our job is to make sure every plush gift does not have dangerous materials and that it is clearly labeled so Ohio families can feel confident in the gifts they're giving and receiving."

In addition to having samples tested, all manufacturers, importers, and distributors must register with the Division, which helps maintain oversight and traceability of products entering the market. The Section also regulates secondhand sellers, RV dealers, and renovators to ensure compliance with Ohio's safety laws.

Shoppers can also take steps to protect themselves and loved ones they might be shopping for by checking for proper labeling that indicates compliance with Ohio's safety standards when purchasing stuffed toys this season. To learn more about how the Department safeguards your holiday gifts, visit com.ohio.gov/Bedding.

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About the Division of Industrial Compliance
The Division of Industrial Compliance is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.