Japan Proposes New Designation of Two Children's Products
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI 經濟產業省) has proposed a “Partial Amendment to the Order for Enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Act.”
The main purpose is to re-designate two children’s products as both “Specified Products” and “Specified Products for Children” in light of recent accident trends.
Recent incidents and a 2024 court ruling highlight dangers associated with Japanese "bed guard" products. A recent case is the Tokyo High Court orders 'bed guard' firm to pay $176,000 to parents of deceased boy.
Recent safety concerns regarding strollers in Japan primarily involve the spate of accidents in which strollers with luggage hung on their handles have tipped over and left infants injured.
In another instance, a 3-year-old girl dies after stroller catches fire in Tokyo.
Outline of the Amendment
|
Product |
Definition |
Designation |
|
Bed Guards for Children
|
Barriers or other devices designed to be attached to beds are primarily intended to prevent infants up to 60 months old from falling. |
Specified Products and Specified Products for Children |
|
Strollers
|
Barriers or other devices designed to be attached to beds are primarily intended to prevent infants up to 60 months old from falling. |
Effective Date
March 2026
Reference
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/JPN/25_05614_00_e.pdf
