Wal-Mart and Toys 'R' Us have announced a new series of safety checks to be applied to imported toys, following the series of damaging recalls that dented confidence in the industry.

Wal-Mart has told suppliers that they need to meet enhanced safety standards for all new toys that will be sold through 2008. Separately, Toys 'R' Us have introduced third-party testing of toys and required a significant reduction in lead content used in paints. These requirements will be in place after March 1st.

In addition, Toys 'R' Us has said that its products will prohibit any use of the controversial chemicals phthalates, which have been linked to possible reproductive problems. Wal-Mart stipulates that toys cannot have more than 0.1 percent phthalate content.