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Japan: Japan Toy Association announces amendments on toy standard

june 2018- Relevant for: Hardlines, Softlines, Toys & children's products

On 13 June 2018, Japan Toy Association (JTA) revised¹ part 1 of the national toy standard ST 2016² second edition for physical and mechanical properties after the meeting held in May. The amendments were developed to address the risk against the blockage of infant’s airway.

Implementation under ST mark system of the revisions will be applied from 1 January 2019. The first edition of ST 2016 may be applied for renew approval using ST mark until 31 December 2020.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) announced the investigation³ on accident of airway obstruction caused by toys in November 2017. The report suggested businesses should promote displaying the intended age of toys. In February this year, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) also requested Japan toy association to respond to the same concerns.

Considering the requests, toy association have decided to add new marking requirements to protect children from suffocation accidents. The revision amended the definition of small ball and added marking requirement for “intended age range” such as the location, letter size and color.

[1] ST 2016 Part 1 amendments published by JTA
[2] Japan Toy Association publishes New Toy Safety Standard ST2016, March 2016
[3] CAA investigation report, October 2017