Japan Publishes Technical Requirements for Infant Bed Guards & Strollers

On 27 April 2026, Japan’s Government published Official Gazette “官報:令和8年4月27日月曜日 (号外第98号)”. On page 18~22, it specifies the technical and labelling requirements for the two newly added "Specified Products for Children" under the Enforcement Order of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).

Technical Requirements

Infant Bed Guard 乳幼児用ベッドガード

1. Parts that infants may come into contact with must not pose any risk of physical injury.
2. For assembly-type products, the product must be easy to assemble and designed to minimise the risk of assembly errors.
3. The product must be designed to prevent infants' fingers from getting caught.
4. The product must be designed to prevent infants' bodies from getting caught.
5. The product must be designed to prevent infants' clothing, strings, or similar items from getting caught.
6. For products with a frame, there must be sufficient space between both ends of the bed (excluding infant beds) and both ends of the infant bed guard to allow an infant's body to pass through.
7. For products with a foldable structure, the product must be designed so that it cannot be easily folded during use. The locking mechanism must not be easily operated by infants.
8. The product must have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the stresses encountered during normal use.
9. There must be no gaps between the mattress and the product during use that could trap an infant’s body.
10. Products with connecting parts for interlocking components must have a structure that ensures secure attachment and prevents them from easily coming loose.
11. Connecting parts and accessories must be of a size that does not pose a risk of suffocation.
12. The name of the registered business operator must be displayed in a clear and durable manner that does not easily fade. However, the name may be replaced with an abbreviation or symbol approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), or with a registered trademark approved by METI.

Strollers ベビーカー

1. Parts that infants may come into contact with must not pose any risk of physical injury.
2. The stroller must be designed to prevent infants' fingers from getting caught in any accessible areas.
3. For strollers with movable parts or folding mechanisms that infants may reach, there must be no risk of physical injury.
4. For strollers with a folding mechanism, the opening and closing operations must be smooth and easy to perform, and there must be no risk of unintended folding or collapse while in use.
5. The stroller must be equipped with an effective parking brake or locking mechanism, and its operating parts must be positioned out of reach of infants.
6. The stroller must have a structure that securely holds the infant’s body to prevent falls during use.
7. The stroller must possess sufficient mechanical strength and stability to withstand the stresses and loads experienced during normal use.
8. For strollers with a removable seat or one that can accommodate an additional seat, the seat attachment must be designed to prevent accidental or easy detachment.

9. Connecting parts and accessories within reach of infants and young children must be of a size that does not pose a choking hazard.
10. The name or designation of the notifying business operator must be displayed in a clear and durable manner that does not easily fade or become illegible. However, the name or designation may be replaced with an abbreviation or symbol approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), or with a registered trademark approved by METI.

Labelling Requirements

Infant Bed Guard 乳幼児用ベッドガード

1. Suitable age for use
2. Do not use on infants under 18 months of age
3. There is a risk of suffocation and compression of the body
4. Do not place pillows or other items that could cause suffocation in the gap between the infant bed guard and the mattress
5. Do not use multiple products to completely enclose the bed
6. When securing to the bed, secure as instructed in the instruction manual
7. Suitable beds and mattresses

Strollers ベビーカー

All types

1. Suitable age for use
2. Parents must not leave the stroller unattended while using it
3. Use the stroller only when the unfolding operation is complete and the folding mechanism is fixed
4. Folding operations must be performed away from the infant/toddler

Strollers other than box-shaped

Use with a seat belt fastened

Strollers of a box shape that can be used even after the infant/toddler is old enough to sit up

Use with a seat belt fastened once the child is old enough to sit up

Note: English translations are for reference only. Please refer to the original Japanese text for the requirements in the reference document listed below.

Reference

https://www.kanpo.go.jp/20260427/20260427g00098/20260427g00098full00010128f.html