JAPAN Law and Practice Contributed by: Junichi Ikeda, Takayuki Fujii, Satoyuki Nakano and Tomoaki Kitaguchi, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
toddlers to ensure that the products comply with technical standards stipulated by the Japanese government and indicate warnings, such as the appropriate age range and precautions for use. From the enforcement date of 25 December 2025, manufacturers and importers of toys for infants and toddlers will be required to submit a notification to the national government (the METI or the relevant regional Bureau of Econ - omy, Trade and Industry) prior to commencing business operations. Pre-acceptance of such notifications will begin on 25 September 2025. In connection with this regulation, a new label called the “Child PSC Mark” has been estab- lished to certify that a product meets the required technical standards and indicates the necessary warnings. From 25 December 2025 onward, manufacturers may not sell toys for infants and toddlers without the Child PSC Mark. Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials On 1 June 2024, the relevant notification entitled “Interpretation of the Ministerial Order to Pro- vide Technical Standards for Electrical Appli- ances and Materials” , which provides specific technical standards under the Ministerial Ordi - nance, was amended. Under this amendment, traditional Japan-specific standards prescribing dimensions, shapes, and other design specifica - tions for electric wires, electric heating cables, wiring devices, and small AC motors have been abolished. Moving forward, only performance- based standards that reference JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) aligned with international standards will apply to these products. The traditional design-specific standards, while once prevalent, were criticised for lacking flexibil - ity. Since the introduction of performance-based
standards in 2014, these traditional standards had remained merely as illustrative examples of acceptable specifications. However, in recent years, the Ministry has been progressively phas - ing out such standards on a product-by-product basis, and this trend continues to be under con - sideration across other categories of electrical appliances and materials. 3.2 Future Policy in Product Liability and Product Safety Safety Requirements for Portable Power Sources Portable power sources equipped with lithium- ion batteries and capable of outputting alter - nating current have recently gained popularity among consumers as a means of using house - hold appliances and charging smartphones dur - ing disasters or outdoor activities. However, the number of accidents caused by the use of port - able power sources is on the rise, and certain electrical risks (such as fire and electric shock) exist. Although portable power sources are cur - rently not subject to the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, the METI published safety requirements (interim summary) for porta - ble power sources, taking into account the exist - ence of such electrical risks and the absence of specific safety requirements unique to portable power sources. Those involved in the manufac - ture and import of, and other activities related to, portable power sources are encouraged to uti - lise these safety requirements to promote safety measures for portable power sources and to fur - ther advance efforts related to product safety through risk assessments and other means. Guideline for Ensuring the Safety of Autonomous Cars In June 2024, the MLIT published the “Guideline for Ensuring the Safety of Autonomous Cars” . This guideline was published to clarify the safety
169 CHAMBERS.COM
Powered by FlippingBook