SGS Releases Podcast to Help Businesses Access Japan’s Toy Market
Understanding Japan’s two main toy standards is the key to accessing its market. SGS has created a podcast to help stakeholders understand their requirements.
- (1888PressRelease) March 03, 2018 - SGS has released a new podcast to help companies understand the main standards that cover Japan’s toy market.
The principle standards that cover toys are the:
• Japan Food Sanitation Law (JFSL)
• Safety Toy Standard (ST Standard)
JFSL is administered by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and all testing must be performed in a MHLW-approved laboratory. It is a mandatory standard covering toys aimed at children aged six or under.
The standard considers each toy within the context of one of three categories. These related to the possibility of the product coming into contact with a child’s mouth. Exemptions to the rule include coloring books, extra-large cuddly toys, pop-up books, ride-on toys and infant seats. The exemption does not apply if, for example, the toy has detachable parts.
SGS operates MHLW-approved facilities in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
The second standard stakeholders should be aware of is the ST Standard and its associated label, the ST Toy Mark. The ST Standard is a popular voluntary standard that covers toys used by children aged 14 or under. It is regulated by the Japan Toy Association (JTA) and all testing must be undertaken in JTA-approved laboratories.
Testing to the ST Standard is split into three parts. The first two cover mechanical and physical testing, and flammability, and are based on ISO 8124. The third part covers restricted chemicals and includes all the elements of the JFSL. Testing for parts one and two must be conducted by domestic laboratories but part three testing can be undertaken in non-domestic laboratories. SGS has JTA-approved facilities for part three testing in Hong Kong and Thailand.
One of the reasons for the popularity of the ST Standard is that compliance with it also demonstrates compliance with JFSL. Also, once a product has been certified as compliant, the supplier can apply to display the ST Toy Mark. This mark demonstrates compliance to customers and helps to create marketplace differentiation.
Stakeholders should also be aware that some products may also fall under the scope of other standards. For example, a child’s cosmetic toy set will also need to comply with Pharmaceutical Affairs Law labelling requirements and the MHLW Notification 331 on restricted chemicals.
To learn more about accessing Japan’s toy market, stakeholders should watch SGS’s new podcast, “Market Safe Toys to Japan”: [www.brainshark.com/SGSNA/toysafety-japan]
SGS Toy & Juvenile Product Services
With JFSL and JTA-approved laboratories in Hong Kong and Thailand, and JFSL approved laboratories in Malaysia and Vietnam, SGS is the perfect partner for businesses looking to access the Japanese toy market. They have local experts in place to provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services relating to the toy sector. In addition, they can assist with product compliance for markets around the world, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. Learn more about SGS’s Toy & Juvenile Product Services. [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/toys-and-juvenile-products/juvenile-products-and-childcare-articles]
For more information, contact:
Stephanie Meyer-Pionchon
Global Marketing Manager, Hardlines
Tel: +33 4 42 61 64 46
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.
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