In order to effectively manage the supply chain in a firm, we have to think about the weakest link in the chain, but in the context of a European multi-national which is operating all around the world, does the sourcing in China and sells to European and North American markets, what is the weakest link?

Smaller European importers and Chinese manufacturers . Yes, that's the result of a recent EU study on the issue of risk in supply chains.

According to Director of Finance Online Magazine, European consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva presented a report by independent experts, entitled Evaluating Business Safety Measures in the Toy Supply Chain, in Brussels on 5 June. The report was carried out at the initiative of the European Commission, as a follow up to the Commission's product safety Stocktaking review in Autumn 2007.

As a result, the research concludes that adopting and maintaining a strong quality and safety culture is a critical element in ensuring continuous attention to product safety issues.

Although the project focused on the toy sector, several of the findings will be pertinent to other product groups as well and will have to be addressed with the relevant sectors directly.

The report presents over 50 recommendations to strengthen the current system for ensuring toy safety, targeting all key actors in the supply chain.