WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to help parents protect their children against dangerous counterfeit toys and products, as Americans increasingly turn to online vendors.

The Stop All Nefarious Toys in America (SANTA) Act would require new information be included in online marketplaces that clearly show product origins and business name and contact information, among other requirements, for children’s toys and products.

“As families across North Carolina celebrate Christmas and the holidays, parents buying toys should have the peace of mind that they are buying safe and reliable products for their children,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce the SANTA Act so online marketplaces like Amazon must include important information to ensure families aren’t buying counterfeit products that put their children at risk.”

New information required under the SANTA Act will include:

• Full name, full business address, whether the seller is the manufacturer, importer, retailer or reseller of the children’s product and contact information for the seller, including working phone number and working email.
• Online marketplaces should also notify parents if the product is fulfilled or shipped from a seller or warehouse that is different from the original seller.
• Online marketplaces should verify seller information prior to listing through government issued ID, bank accounts, individual and business contact information.  This should exclude sellers of used children’s products and resellers of children’s products.

The SANTA Act has received support from the Toy Association, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the Halloween & Costume Association.

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