The meeting, which was held in Brussels, marks the start of a collaborative system following the so-called 2007 “summer of recalls” when Chinese exports of toys containing lead and loose magnets had to be pulled from shop shelves across the world.

The three parties have resolved to work towards merging their product tracing systems so dangerous items can be identified and tracked back to the manufacturer as quickly as possible. Officials will meet again next year to discuss changes in national toy safety standards and explore ways to align regulations.

“Last year we placed even greater attention on this problem of product safety,” said Wei Chuanzhong, vice-minister of the Chinese product safety authority. “We have set up a national action plan to measure safety, especially in toys, and we will insist manufacturing companies are in full compliance with international standards.”