TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   12 February 2008   Groups warn on danger of toy imports Importers may have further restrictions placed on dealings with China after consumer groups voiced their concerns over new EU legislation. The BEUC and the ANEC, leading continental consumer groups, have claimed the new legal framework, still retains a number of loopholes, the Irish Examiner reports. Concerns have been raised as the new law will only regulate what is on the outside of toys and not on the inside, allowing a number of Chinese companies to continue to manufacture toys containing harmful chemicals. Stephen Russell, the secretary-general of ANEC, claimed that the outer coating on toys could be exposed, allowing more harmful substances to come to the surface. "Children put things in their mouths to chew and suck them. Some of their toys get a lot of use and with time these dangerous substances can migrate to the surface," he said. Laura Degallaix, a biochemist who works with BEUC, added: "Unfortunately, what it covers is just the tip of the iceberg as far as dangerous materials in toys are concerned."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .