In December 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan announced a revision to the Consumer Product Safety Act, introducing an important update to Japan’s Toy Safety Regulation, which will take effect on December 25, 2025. The Japan Toy Association (JTA) has worked with METI to update the Japan ST Standard.
The revised ST Standard (ST-2025) has been published and will become effective on April 1, 2025. During the transition period, testing applications under the current standard (ST-2016, 4th edition) will still be accepted until December 24, 2025. The major updates are listed as follows:
Product Scope Adjustments:
Certain products have been clarified as exempted items, including:
- Holiday decorations
- Toys placed in public areas
- Pacifiers
- Toy scooters
- Models of aircraft, rockets, boats, and land vehicles powered by internal combustion engines
- Products containing heat generating feature intended for use in an educational context and under adult supervision
Technical requirement :
- ST Part 1: Physical and mechanical requirements, and Part 2: Flammability requirements are now aligned with ISO8124-1:2022 and ISO8124-2:2023.
- The requirements and test methods for rubber pacifiers have been removed from ST Part 3: Chemical properties.
Labeling and Warnings:
Updated guidelines for warning labels have been introduced to ensure clarity regarding age-appropriate toys, including those related to small parts, small balls, flying toys, etc.
With the introduction of the ST Mark and the PSC Mark, it will be easier for retailers and consumers to identify the safety levels of toys and children’s products, while also helping to eliminate counterfeit marks in the market.
Introduction of ST mark and PSC Mark as below :
| ST mark (Issued by Japan Toy Association (JTA)) | PSC Mark (Issued by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)) |
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| Purpose: Indicates compliance with the ST Standard, which focuses on the safety of toys and children’s products. Scope: Toys intended for children under 14 years old. Verification: The ST Mark is linked to a rigorous testing and certification process, which helps to prevent counterfeit marks. Renewal: ST Mark products undergo re-evaluation every two years to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards. | Purpose: Stands for “Product Safety of Children’s Products” and is part of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Scope: Specifically targets children’s products, especially those designed for children under 6 years old. Verification: The PSC Mark also requires compliance with safety standards but is generally associated with a broader range of consumer safety regulations. Usage: Only businesses that have registered and demonstrated compliance can use the PSC Mark. |
Timeline for ST2025 implementation :
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Toys tested with ST2025 | ST mark is displayed (PSC mark cannot be shown) | PSC mark can be displayed for products notified and tested | – For products manufactured or imported after 25 Dec, PSC mark must be displayed – Stocked items may be sold as they are. (No need to have PSC mark) |
| Toys tested with ST2016 | ST application possible | – ST application cannot be made after 25 Dec – Manufactured or imported will not be permitted – Stocked items may be sold as they are | |
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