Introduction: A common dilemma in Hong Kong – "Where to build?"

In Hong Kong, a fast-paced and information-rich metropolis, every parent wants to make the "best" choice for their children. This scene is probably all too familiar: standing in front of the dazzling array of toy shelves, or browsing online store pages, parents carefully examine product packaging. The key information they look for first is often not the toy's creative features or ways to play, but rather its "place of origin"—"Is it from Japan?", "Designed in Germany?", "An American brand?"

This subconscious action reflects a deeply ingrained belief. This raises the central question of this article: "Are imported children's toys always the best?" In this era of globalized production, increasing information transparency, and stricter regulations, is this intuitive judgment based on "place of origin" still applicable?

As a staunch advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Montessori education in Hong Kong, www.stemtoy.com.hk (Kidrise) believes that choosing the "best" toys for children requires a deeper understanding beyond labels. We have observed that many parents, caught up in the myth of "origin," may be overlooking more crucial factors.

This report, from a market analyst's professional perspective, utilizes rigorous data analysis and in-depth industry insights to comprehensively deconstruct this "import myth" for Hong Kong parents. We will delve into the psychological reasons behind parental preferences, objectively compare the technical details of major global toy safety standards, and redefine what truly constitutes a "high-quality" children's toy in 2025 and beyond.

This report is committed to helping Hong Kong parents establish a more scientific and forward-looking toy decision-making framework that goes beyond "country of origin labels".

Part 1: Clarifying the Current Situation – Why are Hong Kong parents so fond of "imported toys"?

Before delving into the analysis, we must objectively understand the roots of "import preference." This preference does not arise out of thin air, but is shaped by historical factors, market forces, and profound social anxieties.

1.1 The collective memory and path dependence of "imported = high quality"

The trust that parents place in "imported toys" stems primarily from the stark contrast created by past negative experiences.

• The Indelible Mark of History: Many Hong Kong parents vividly remember the global toy safety scandals of over a decade ago. For example, in 2007, numerous large-scale recalls occurred involving toys manufactured in China (including well-known brands) due to safety hazards such as excessive lead content or easily detached magnets. These events, widely reported by global media, left a deep imprint on the minds of an entire generation of parents, directly fostering a simple psychological defense: "Foreign brands = strict standards = safe."
• Emotional Factors: Nostalgia and Heritage: Observations from local Hong Kong toy shop owners confirm another layer of emotional factors. Many parents prefer "old brands" or even "vintage collectibles," not only for their children but also to make up for their own childhood regrets—"what their parents couldn't afford back then." This nostalgia is naturally closely linked to the "imported" brands (mostly from Japan, the United States, or Europe) that were popular during their childhood.
• The intuitive perception of materials: This nostalgia extends to the intuitive perception of "quality." Some argue that toys of the past used "better materials," while modern toys, in pursuit of profit margins, have "cut corners" (such as using imitation leather instead of genuine leather), leading to decreased durability. While this perception may originate from the collectibles market, it is indiscriminately projected onto the binary opposition of "local/Chinese brands" versus "imported brands," reinforcing the impression that "imported = better materials."

1.2 The Powerful Force of Marketing and Cultural Penetration

If historical events are a defensive "push," then powerful marketing is an offensive "pull."

• The triumph of brand narrative: The enormous success of European, American, and Japanese brands (such as Disney's Mickey Mouse or animated characters like SpongeBob SquarePants) lies not only in product quality but also in their "adaptive marketing." They have achieved a powerful cultural connection through television programs, movies, and ubiquitous product promotions. This makes "imported toys" more than just playthings; they become cultural symbols and a part of children's desired identity.
• Price serves as a psychological anchor for quality: the market has long assigned a high price to the "imported" label. A report on toy stores in Shanghai highlighted a phenomenon: even a 7-year-old child clearly understood that a "foreign brand" yo-yo, though expensive (priced at approximately 108 RMB), was "really good"; while similar products from local brands, selling for only about $1.20, were piled up on tables outside the store. This stark price difference, in a globalized consumer market, repeatedly reinforces the psychological anchor of "expensive = good," making parents willingly pay the premium for "imported."

1.3 The Shift in Anxiety from "Play" to "Educational Investment"

In Hong Kong, the concept of "winning at the starting line" has permeated every aspect of family life, including toys. This educational anxiety provides the strongest "rational" support for the "import preference."

• The Asian Commonality of "Winning at the Starting Line": An analysis of a new generation of highly educated parents in mainland China points out that playtime has been given a strong sense of purpose. Parents highly value the "educational function" of toys and expect a clear "return on their investment" in their children's playtime.
• Projection of Anxiety: This extreme emphasis on educational outcomes and the intense competitive mentality of "hoping one's child will succeed" is highly similar to the mindset of Hong Kong parents. When parents choose STEM or educational toys, they unconsciously equate "the best education" with "the most expensive/imported" options. They fear that by choosing "non-imported" or cheaper products, their children will "fall behind" in crucial early development.

The formation of this collective psychology is the result of the superposition of three factors: historical security incidents (fear), brand culture marketing (desire), and educational anxiety (investment). Parents' preferences are based on a "past tense"—past security scandals, past impressions of materials used, and past brand stories.

But does this judgment based on the "past" apply to the "present" globalized manufacturing industry and the already highly convergent international security standards? This is precisely the core technology that the second part of this report will unlock.

Part Two: Unlocking the Technology – The Truth About Global Toy Safety Standards

To deconstruct the core assumption that "imported = safe," we must delve into the "safety language" of toys worldwide—namely, the mandatory safety standards of various countries. Parents generally believe that European and American standards are the strictest, but is this really the case?

2.1 Demystifying Terminology: Understanding the Four Major Global Security Certifications

When we pick up a toy, the various marks and codes on the packaging are the real guarantee of its safety, not the "place of origin".

• European Union (EU): EN 71 Standard & CE Marking
  • EN 71 is a harmonized standard under the EU Toy Safety Directive (Directive 2009/48/EC), covering multiple aspects including physical, chemical, and flammability.
  • The CE mark is a "self-declaration" that indicates the manufacturer or importer claims the product complies with all relevant EU health and safety directives.
• United States (USA): ASTM F963 & CPSIA
  • ASTM F963 is the Toy Safety Standard Consumer Safety Specification developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and it has become a mandatory regulation in the United States.
  • The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act ( CPSIA ) is a stricter law passed by the U.S. government in 2008 (following the aforementioned safety scandal), which imposes extremely stringent mandatory requirements on the levels of lead and phthalates in children's products.
• China: CCC Mark & ​​GB 6675 Standard
  • GB 6675 is China's national toy safety technical specification, a mandatory standard that all toys on the Chinese market must comply with.
  • The CCC mark (China Compulsory Certification) is a mandatory safety certification mark required for products to enter the Chinese market, covering multiple categories such as electric toys, plastic toys, and metal toys.
• Japan: ST 2016 Standard
  • ST 2016 is a toy safety standard promoted by the Japan Toy Association (JTA). Products that meet this standard can be marked with the ST mark , which is a highly recognized safety symbol in the Japanese market.

2.2 Global Integration of Core Security Standards

Parents may be surprised to find that the above standards are not independent and unrelated. In fact, global toy safety standards are moving towards "integration" or "convergence".

A key fact is that global standards are developed through mutual reference and learning. For example, China's GB 6675 standard referenced ISO 8124 (the International Organization for Standardization's toy safety standard) extensively during its development; and ISO 8124 itself was developed and integrated based on the European Union's EN 71 and the United States' ASTM F963 .

This means that, regardless of the name, the requirements of major global economies in core safety areas (i.e., those most likely to harm children) are highly consistent. This convergence can be clearly seen in the table below:

[Key Table 1: Comparison of Core Requirements of Major Global Toy Safety Standards]

Source: Summary documents of safety standards, including comprehensive analysis.

This table clearly reveals a fact: the three major markets—the US, Europe, and China—have largely equivalent regulatory content and requirements regarding the three core pillars of toy safety: physical, flammability, and chemical safety. This means that a toy manufactured strictly according to the GB 6675 (CCC) standard is virtually indistinguishable in terms of core safety indicators from a toy certified by EN 71 (CE) or ASTM F963.

2.3 Hong Kong's "Local Safety Net": The Enforcement Role of Customs

For parents in Hong Kong, we also have a crucial "local safety net" – the strict enforcement of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (HKCEC).

• Legal basis: Hong Kong Customs is responsible for strictly enforcing the local Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Chapter 424 of the Laws of Hong Kong).
• Enforcement actions: Customs work is multi-dimensional. They not only conduct surprise inspections at border control points to crack down on the import of unsafe toys, but also proactively patrol local retailers and importers, collect samples for safety testing, and have the authority to issue prohibition notices and written warnings.
• Key Standards Adoption: Most importantly, Hong Kong law requires all toys supplied locally to comply with international standards . Legislative Council documents explicitly state that the standards referenced and updated by Customs in enforcement include EN71 (EU standard) and ASTM F963 (US standard).

This forms our safety baseline in the Hong Kong market: as long as parents purchase toys through legal and reputable channels in Hong Kong (such as professional online stores or large chain stores like Kidrise), regardless of the toy's original place of origin, it is legally required to meet international safety standards of EN 71 or ASTM F963.

Therefore, in Hong Kong in 2025, parents should no longer focus on "What country is it from?", but rather on "Has it passed any internationally recognized safety certification? (CE, ASTM, CCC are all acceptable)". The real distinction in safety will no longer be between "imported" and "local/domestic", but between "certified" and "uncertified" (such as "white-label" products from unreliable online shopping platforms that lack clear labeling).

Part Three: Redefining "Made in China"—From World Factory to Innovation Center

The second part clarifies the issue of "safety standards," but parents may still have another concern: the "materials" and "quality" issues mentioned in the first part. This involves outdated prejudices against the "Made in China" label. To analyze this objectively, we must face up to the true meaning of "Made in China" in 2025.

3.1 Shedding the old labels: The modern advantages of "Made in China"

In the past, "Made in China" was associated with low cost and low quality. But today, the landscape of the global toy industry has completely changed.

• Unparalleled infrastructure: China boasts the world's most mature and largest manufacturing infrastructure specifically designed for toy production. This translates to the most efficient supply chain integration, robust capacity expansion capabilities, and the most experienced skilled workers.
• The true meaning of cost-effectiveness: Cost-effectiveness remains an advantage, but its source is no longer low labor costs (as in the past), but rather economies of scale and efficient operational management. Importantly, industry reports indicate that this affordability does not mean sacrificing quality , as rigorous quality control processes are equally in place.
• Quality and innovation go hand in hand: "Made in China" is no longer synonymous with cheap. Analysis indicates that China's toy manufacturing industry is rapidly becoming an "innovation hub." Manufacturers are no longer passively accepting orders but are focusing on combining new technologies (such as app control and VR virtual reality) with traditional toys. Their products have a significant advantage in "diversity and creativity."
• Environmental protection and sustainability: In line with global trends, many Chinese manufacturers have begun to use recycled materials and environmentally friendly plastics to cater to the growing environmental awareness of global consumers.

3.2 The Truth About "Imported Brands": An Open Secret

Based on this, we must reveal an open secret in the industry: the vast majority of the "imported brands" from Europe, America, and Japan that parents favor have their production lines mostly located in China.

Place of origin and brand have long been decoupled. A toy designed in Germany with the CE mark and a toy designed in Japan with the ST mark are very likely produced in the same factory in Dongguan or Shenzhen, by the same group of workers, and using the same plastic raw materials.

As industry analysts have pointed out, many American companies do not hesitate to choose "Made in China" as a solution for large-scale production when product demand increases, because Chinese factories can provide on-time delivery under strict quality assurance.

This leads to an interesting phenomenon: cognitive dissonance among consumers . Hong Kong parents may be in a contradictory state—on the one hand, they emotionally reject the "Made in China" label, while on the other hand, they embrace toys that are also "Made in China" but labeled as "imported brands".

This phenomenon reveals the truth: the key to quality control has never been the factory's "geographical location," but rather the "brand" that places the order.

A meticulous brand (whether it's Mattel from the US, Lego from Denmark, or 4M from Hong Kong, which we'll mention later) will implement extremely strict quality control (QC) and safety standards for its contract manufacturers in China (for example, mandating that the products from contract manufacturers must pass all tests of EN 71 or ASTM F963).

Therefore, the "Made in China" label itself does not provide any effective information about quality. What parents need to trust is not the vague concept of "place of origin," but rather a "brand" that is willing to endorse the product, make commitments to quality and safety, and can clearly demonstrate international safety certifications .

Part Four: A New Dimension of Education—How the STEM Concept is Redefining the "Good Toy"

Having clarified the myths surrounding "safety" (Part 2) and "quality" (Part 3), we freed parents from the ineffective indicator of "origin." Now, we can focus on a truly important dimension, and one that stemtoy.com.hk (Kidrise) prioritizes most— educational value .

4.1 The true value of toys: educational purposes beyond their physical attributes

What is the true value of a toy, regardless of whether it comes from Germany, Japan, or Hong Kong, and whether it is made of wood or plastic?

• The purpose of educational toys: The definition of educational toys is clear: their purpose is to "teach a specific subject" or "help children develop specific skills" (whether intellectual, emotional or physical).
• Differences in global educational philosophies: Different countries have different understandings of "education," which is also reflected in their toy design. For example, early childhood education in Finland places great emphasis on "play," while early childhood education in Japan may place more emphasis on "academic rigor."
• The Rise of STEM Toys: The global rise of STEM toys (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is the best embodiment of the concept of "learning through play." Its core value lies not in its physical attributes, but in the educational design it embodies—how it inspires children's critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on learning.

4.2 Kidrise's core philosophy: From "passive play" to "active exploration"

At Kidrise, we firmly believe that toys are the most effective tools for children to explore the world. Our mission is to "promote the development of STEM education in Hong Kong" and we are committed to "integrating play and learning into daily life".

Therefore, when selecting products, we highly recommend the "Hands-on Inquiry- Based Learning " ( HIBL ) framework.

HIBL is an advanced teaching practice that emphasizes that children should not be passive recipients of knowledge (e.g., merely watching or listening), but active explorers. They acquire knowledge through hands-on activities , asking questions , observing experiments , and building models .

This is precisely Kidrise's product philosophy:

• Take our carefully selected reading pen as an example; it's more than just a tool that makes sounds. Its design incorporates the Montessori philosophy—emphasizing that "the hand is a child's second brain." Through active selection, listening, and imitation, children stimulate different areas of their brain using their five senses—this is a form of inquiry-based learning.
• Our STEM robotics programming kits require children to assemble them by hand and solve problems through a visual programming platform (such as how to make a robotic car turn), which is a perfect combination of "hands-on" and "inquiry" in the HIBL framework.

4.3 Hong Kong's Pride (Case Study): The 4M Brand

In this new dimension of "educational philosophy," do we still need to blindly believe in "imported" ideas? The answer is absolutely not. The best example comes from our own Hong Kong.

• A model of "non-imported" international excellence: 4M is a local company founded in Hong Kong in 1993.
• With a focus on STEM and numerous awards: Since its inception, 4M has focused on producing creative and educational products and is a globally renowned STEM toy expert. Its product lines (such as KidzRobotix and KidzLabs) have won numerous international awards and are known for their hands-on robotics and science experiment kits.
• The combination of design and manufacturing: 4M is a "Hong Kong-based toy design and manufacturing company." The origin of its products is likely CN (China).

4M's success perfectly proves the core argument of this report:

A Hong Kong company (Hong Kong brand), manufacturing in China (Made in China), with its excellent STEM education philosophy (HIBL practice) and strict quality control, has achieved world-class product quality and sells well all over the world, without needing any "imported" label.

This leads us to a key conclusion: for those Hong Kong parents who are filled with "educational anxiety" as mentioned in Part 1, what they really need is not an "imported" geographical label, but high-quality STEM products such as the HIBL concept advocated by Kidrise and the 4M brand practiced.

By 2025, the definition of a "good toy" has changed. It's no longer about "place of origin" (imported/local), but about "process" (passive/exploratory). A "good" STEM toy, regardless of its origin, should stimulate a child's curiosity and provide them with tools for "hands-on exploration."

Part Five: Kidrise Expert Advice – The Ultimate Shopping Checklist for Savvy Hong Kong Parents

Having deconstructed the myth of "origin" and established new benchmarks for "safety" and "education," we (Kidrise) must provide parents with a clear and actionable framework.

5.1 Abandon the myth of "origin" and embrace "fact-based" decision-making

We begin by reiterating the core findings of this report:

• Safety standards have become globally converged (CE, ASTM, and CCC are consistent in their core requirements).
• Hong Kong local regulations already provide a high standard of protection (customs enforcement refers to EN 71 and ASTM F963).
• Globalized production has become the norm ("imported brands" are also "made in China").

Based on these three facts, the "imported" label is no longer a reliable indicator of quality or safety.

5.2 The "Four-Point Inspection Method" Beyond Place of Origin

We recommend that parents use the following more scientific and rational "four-point check method" instead of the past single "origin check":

1. First priority: Check the "Must-Have" security certification.

   This step is absolutely non-negotiable. Regardless of where the toy is made, it must have a clear and credible international safety certification mark.

   Please look for these marks: CE (European Union), ASTM (USA), CCC (China), ST (Japan). In Hong Kong, any reputable store (including stemtoy.com.hk ) should offer products that meet these standards.

2. Second priority: Assessing the "Educational Value" (The "Why")

   After ensuring safety, ask yourself: What is the "educational philosophy" of this toy?

   Does it align with the STEM or Montessori principles?

   Does it merely provide passive reception (such as simply watching animations or audio-visual stimulation), or does it encourage children to "explore and explore" (HIBL)?

3. Third priority: Examining "age suitability" and "technology" (The "How")

   Age appropriateness: This is key to safety and educational effectiveness. A STEM kit designed for an 8-year-old is neither safe nor educational if given to a 3-year-old.

   Materials and workmanship: Carefully inspect for sharp edges, small parts that are easy to detach (especially for children under 3 years old), and pungent odors. Check if the manufacturer's quality control process is transparent.

4. Fourth priority: Check "Who" – the brand and retailer reputation.

   It's better to trust a specific brand and retailer than a vague "country".

   Choose a professional retailer like stemtoy.com.hk (Kidrise) that focuses on education and safety .

   The true value of a professional retailer lies in the fact that we have leveraged our expertise to conduct a first-stage Curated selection for parents. Every product we offer, regardless of its origin, is guaranteed to meet our high standards in terms of safety certification and educational value.

The real value of this list lies in its ability to reshape the weight of parental decision-making .

Traditional decision-making weights might be: place of origin (50%) > brand (30%) > price (20%).

The new decision-making weights proposed in this report are: Safety certification (40%) > Educational philosophy (30%) > Brand/retailer reputation (20%) > Age suitability and craftsmanship (10%) > Country of origin (0%).

This list frees parents from the anxiety of "origin myths" by giving them a set of analytical tools based on rationality, science, and educational goals, enabling them to become truly "savvy" consumers.

Part Six: Conclusion – Redefining “Best” for Your Child’s Future

6.1 Response to the title

Are imported children's toys always the best?

The analysis in this report concludes that in Hong Kong in 2025, the answer is clear and firm – no .

This is a myth based on outdated information, psychological biases, and emotional anxiety.

6.2 Summarize the core viewpoints

• Safety standards have converged globally: whether it's the EU's EN 71, the US's ASTM F963, or China's GB 6675, they are highly consistent in core safety requirements such as physical, chemical, and flammability. Furthermore, with Hong Kong Customs enforcing high international standards (EN 71/ASTM F963) locally, parents' safety baseline is fully guaranteed.
• The "place of origin" label has lost its meaning: in the wave of globalized production, "imported brands" are made in China; while "Hong Kong brands" can also manufacture globally popular products in China by leveraging their excellent STEM concepts (such as the 4M case).
• The new benchmark is "educational philosophy": the true value of toys has shifted from "where they are made" to "why they are designed". Whether a toy can inspire children's "hands-on exploration" spirit (HIBL) and whether it meets the educational goals of STEM or Montessori are the gold standards for measuring a "good toy".

6.3 A Final Appeal from Kidrise

At stemtoy.com.hk (Kidrise) , we firmly believe that the "best" toys are the perfect combination of these three elements:

1. Guaranteed by international safety certification;
2. The core of the STEM/Montessori educational philosophy;
3. Inquiry-based design that inspires children’s unlimited potential (HIBL).

We sincerely invite all parents in Hong Kong to set aside their obsession with "place of origin" and instead embrace the pursuit of "educational value".

Browse our carefully curated collection of toys based on STEM and Montessori principles.

Experience truly high-quality toys that transcend their place of origin, and join us in "promoting the development of STEM education in Hong Kong" and "integrating play and learning into daily life".