The model YMY- 2005K007 children's belt from YMY of China is made of PU leather. The company can have its products tested by third-party institutions if requested by buyers.

Models of children's belts from China and India are made of PCB- and azo-free materials, water-based adhesives and vegetable dyes.

Children's belt suppliers in India and China are taking steps to ensure user safety. This comes with increased awareness of health dangers posed by chemicals present in some materials applied in fashion accessories for children.

In India, belt suppliers employ noncorrosive metal buckles, rivets and eyelet studs that are free from lead and nickel. Some companies only use leather, PU, jute, cotton, polyester and metal accessories that comply with international standards. Leather and fabric are checked to ensure they do not contain PCB or azo dyes.

To promote children's safety further, makers use water-based adhesives. Some companies even prefer vegetable dyes in making sure that products are not harmful to children. Nickel plating is avoided as well.

In addition, makers include warnings in product packaging, stating that the belt is a potential strangulation hazard to young children.

Complying with safety requirements however, is a challenge for many China companies, as the supply of nontoxic materials is limited. Most belt makers, in fact, cannot afford to import these materials.

To meet this challenge, companies opt to source raw materials locally and have them tested by third-party institutions. Others send them to clients for approval.

At present, most China suppliers have stopped using PVC for children's products, including belts, as the material contains toxic phthalates. They prefer to use leather, PU and fabric.

Some suppliers use nonflammmable materials for children's belts. Xiamen Tinzonc Fashion Co. Ltd, for example, is currently developing models made of fabric wrapped with flame-retardant PU.

In addition to safety, suppliers are paying attention to quality. Manav International (India) conducts colorfastness, shrinkage and needle detection tests in-house. Tests other than these are conducted by independent laboratories.

Leather Edge, another India maker, sources its main materials from suppliers certified by the Leather Council of India. The company requires materials to be subjected to thickness and gauge testing.

Children's belts from Wenzhou First Light Industry Co. Ltd of China comply with EN and ASTM standards. If required by clients, the company sends its products to SGS and ITS for inspection.

Apart from emphasizing safety and quality, suppliers are updating their children's belt lines with vibrant and eye-catching designs made of lightweight materials such as PU leather, beads and plastic. These are targeted mostly at girls.

Lace, jacquard fabric, cotton, leather cords, webbing tape and leather are the main materials used by Manav. One model from the company is made of green satin fabric and adorned with sequins.

The P-03 model from India supplier Paradigm Leather Accessories Pvt Ltd is made of pink PU leather. It is decorated with zari work and priced at $5.93.

Kumar Exports, another maker from India, produces a model consisting of braided leather cords. The design is embellished with beadwork and priced at $7.

China supplier Zhejiang Dongyang Yilu Silk Printing Co. Ltd offers the BT002 children's belt model. It is made of woven strips of PU in various colors. The price is $8.20 per piece.

Children's belt model YMY-2005K007 from YMY Fashion Ornaments Co. Ltd, another China supplier, is made of PU leather. It features a heart-shaped buckle with a butterfly at the center. The model is available in different colors.

China-based Shining Star Fashion Accessory Co. Ltd offers the model C3597 children's belt. Made of elastic plastic and adorned with acrylic stones, it is priced at $4.50.

Wenzhou Success Group Co. Ltd of China offers leather belt designs for boys. The CGM-03270 model is made of PU leather. The metal buckle has an engraved design. Its price is $8.80.