Before Selling Toys Bought Abroad in Japan: Food Sanitation Act Import Notification, the Child PSC Mark for Under-3s, and the ST Mark

Loop KOBE, a sales channel related to Koetsu, lists many character goods bought in China. When toys or goods bought abroad are sold in Japan, it is not only duties and shipping that matter: depending on the product, government notification or a mark may be required. Based on official information from Japan Customs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Mercari, this guide explains three systems that relate to toys: import notification under the Food Sanitation Act, the Child PSC mark, and the ST mark.

Note that this is an overview of the systems, not a judgement on whether any particular product is covered. If you actually import or sell toys, please check with the relevant office, such as a quarantine station or a regional METI bureau.

Food Sanitation Act: notify each import of toys for infants for sale

According to Japan Customs' Customs Answer, the Food Sanitation Act requires that each import of food, additives, utensils, containers and packaging, or toys for infants, for sale or business use, be notified to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. The importer submits a food import notification to a quarantine station, then presents the stamped notification to customs for confirmation. Import is not permitted until that confirmation is given.

The same page says notification is not needed for imports for personal use or testing and research, but asks importers to check with a quarantine station in advance whether an import counts as personal use. Which toys are covered depends on the scope of designated toys, those the government designates as possibly harmful to infants' health through contact. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, administration of food sanitation standards was transferred to the Consumer Affairs Agency on 1 April 2024, so the standards themselves are now checked with that agency.

Child PSC mark: toys for under-3s since December 2025

According to METI, new rules for toys for infants and toddlers (toys for children under 3) began under the Consumer Product Safety Act on 25 December 2025. They cover products designed for play and intended for children under 36 months. Products for ages 3 and over, and products not designed for play, are outside these sales rules.

Businesses that make or import covered toys must notify the government that they have started the business, test and keep records showing the toy meets national technical standards, display warnings giving the age range and stating that children should play under adult supervision, and display the Child PSC mark. Businesses selling toys can no longer sell toys for under-3s without the Child PSC mark. Mercari's notice adds that products made or imported before the rules took effect are not covered.

ST mark: a voluntary industry standard

The ST mark is given to toys that pass the Japan Toy Association's toy safety standard (the ST standard), and it is not required by law. METI's page explains that on 31 March 2025 it exchanged a no-action letter with the Japan Toy Association, under which a toy for infants that meets the ST standard is judged to meet the international standard ISO 8124 and therefore the national technical standards.

Mercari's listing rule

From 25 December 2025, Mercari banned listings of toys for infants without the Child PSC mark. The ban covers toys designed mainly for children under 36 months and made or imported on or after the effective date, and applies to Mercari Shops as well. Products made or imported before that date are excluded. Mercari asks users who have listed affected items to delete them.

Many of the character goods Loop KOBE handles, such as acrylic stands, can badges and figures, are made for display, and some packages state ages such as 8 and over or 15 and over. Whether a rule applies, however, can depend on a product's purpose and construction as well as the age printed on it, so if you are unsure about a product, checking with the relevant office is the reliable route.

What buyers can look for

• The age range shown on the product or package
• For toys for under-3s, whether the round Child PSC mark and warnings are present
• Whether there is an ST mark (it is voluntary, so its absence is not illegal in itself)
• For products made abroad, whether there are Japanese warnings or instructions; if not, ask the seller what they say
• Keep products with small parts or batteries out of reach of children

When selling products bought abroad in Japan, knowing these systems and clearly stating the age range, warnings and the fact that the item was bought abroad on the product page helps buyers feel confident. Please check Japan Customs, METI and Mercari's official pages for the latest information.

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