Japan Food Santation Law and Toys safety standards update on silicon test method

Japan MHLW Adopted New Test Method for Silicone Rubber Pacifiers

Rubber pacifiers intended for use by children in Japan shall comply with the mandatory test requirements of the Food Sanitation Law or the Japan Toy Safety Standard (ST-2012). To maintain a better protection of child safety, a new test method for silicone rubber pacifiers was announced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) by Notice number 595 on December 28, 2012.

The Japan Toy Association (JTA) has also revised the relevant section of the Japan Toy Safety Standard (ST-2012) on March 22, 2013 in order to make it in line with the legal requirements. A new method of preparation of test solution for silicone rubber pacifiers has been added to Clause 2.11.1.1 of the ST Standard Part 3 for the material test of cadmium and lead together with other testing as currently required.

Silicone rubber pacifiers manufactured and imported into Japan on or before June 28, 2013 shall be accepted if they are proved to comply with the requirements using the previous test method. From June 29, 2013, silicone rubber made pacifiers and food containers import into Japan should follow the new test method to demonstrate compliance with the Japan Food Sanitation Law or the Japan Toy Safety Standard for ST application.