The Japanese government will require safety marks on strollers and infant bed guards starting July 8, 2026 [3].

These measures aim to reduce preventable childhood injuries caused by product misuse or design flaws. By mandating the "Children's PSC Mark," officials intend to ensure that manufacturers provide clear safety warnings and meet specific technical standards to protect vulnerable infants.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) are overseeing the implementation. The regulation targets two specific product types that have been linked to serious accidents. According to government data, 11 accidents involving severe injuries occurred over approximately 10 years due to strollers tipping over on uneven surfaces [1].

Bed guards also pose a significant risk to infants. Data shows that four children died from suffocation after becoming trapped in the gap between a bed guard and a mattress over a similar 10-year period [2].

To combat these risks, the government decided to add these products to the list of "specified products for children" under the Consumer Product Safety Act. This classification requires manufacturers to display the target age, and specific precautions for use.

"To prevent children's accidents, we will mandate the display of marks indicating safety for two new products, including strollers," the government said.

The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting on April 3, where the government approved the cabinet order to bring strollers under safety regulations. This move ensures that products sold and distributed within Japan meet standardized safety criteria before reaching consumers.

“11 accidents involving severe injuries occurred over approximately 10 years due to strollers tipping over”

This regulatory shift signals a move toward more proactive consumer protection in Japan's childcare market. By shifting from voluntary guidelines to mandatory PSC marking, the government is holding manufacturers legally accountable for safety communication. This may force a redesign of bed guards to eliminate dangerous gaps and require more rigorous stability testing for strollers to prevent tipping.