TICAD stands for Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The Government of Japan has been leading this conference since 1993, co-hosted by United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC). The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) will be held in Yokohama on 20th – 22nd August, 2025.
On August 8, the Cabinet approved the holding of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
For approximately 30 years since Japan launched the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in 1993, the Government of Japan has provided support based on the spirit of supporting African-led development.Through the TICAD process, Japan will continue to contribute to the realization of resilient Africa that Africa itself aims to achieve, and will further deepen Japan-Africa relations.
TICAD 9 Thematic Events
Date: Wednesday,20th August through Friday, 22th August, 2025 Venue: PACIFICO YOKOHAMA, Exhibition Hall, Annex Hall, etc.
From Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22, 2025, during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), a wide range of seminars, symposiums, and booth and panel displays will be held at PACIFICO Yokohama and in its vicinity as the Thematic Events. These events, organized by diverse groups, including government, industry, academia, and civil society, will cover over 200seminars and symposiums and approximately 300 booths and panel displays, all focused on specific themes.
To help attendees efficiently navigate the venue according to their interests and preferences, this pamphlet provides a comprehensive overview of the Thematic Events. The venues are primarily PACIFICO Yokohama Exhibition Halls D, B, and C, the Annex Hall, and nearby hotels. Each venue has the following characteristics of the organizing bodies.
PACIFICO YokohamaExhibition Hall
Seminars, symposiums, booths, and panel displays organized by relevant ministries and agencies, international organizations, research institutions, NGOs (civil society organizations),municipalities, and others.
PACIFICO YokohamaExhibition Halls B and C
TICAD Business Expo & Conference (a comprehensive business fair organized by JETRO). In addition to booth displays and seminars by private companies and other organizations, various thematic exhibitions will also be held. (※Admission requires advance registration, and ID mustbe presented upon entry.)
PACIFICO YokohamaAnnex Hall
Seminars and symposiums organized by relevant ministries and agencies.
Nearby hotels (Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel, Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu), JICA Yokohama
Seminars and symposiums organized by JICA. (※As capacity is limited, we ask that you register in advance as a general rule.)
Other venues in the vicinity of PACIFICO Yokohama
During TICAD 9, Partner Projects certified as Thematic Events will also be held in the vicinity of PACIFICO Yokohama.
Some Thematic Events require advance registration; please check the organizer’s website for details. The Exhibition Halls and Annex Hall at PACIFICO Yokohama are generally open to the public, but all visitors must pass through security checks upon arrival. As security checks may take time, we strongly recommend that you allow sufficient time for your visit. (As to the admission to Exhibition Halls B and C, advance online registration is required; https://eventory.cc/event/ticad-bec-platform). For other venues, please check the websites of the respective organizers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan is inviting applications for “TICAD 9 Partner Project” (an in-person or online event) to boost the spirit of the coming TICAD 9, anticipating the cooperation from and participation of diverse stakeholders.
2. General Information
(1) Period and Format
Period: from Saturday, June 1st, 2024 to Wednesday, 31st December, 2025 Format: In-person or online
(2) Final deadline for application
Final Deadline: Friday, 31st October 2025 (Notification of results will be sent sequentially, upon completion of screening process of respective projects)
(3) Criteria for approval
The event has to be a project which falls under any of the following.
A project aimed to contribute to developing Africa’s economy and society, disseminating its appeal, or building peace
A project that contributes to strengthening Japan-Africa relations
In principle, a project that falls under any of the following will not be certified as a TICAD 9 Partner Project, even if the above criteria are met.
-A project offensive to public order or public morality, etc.
-A project for profit-making purposes or a project not pursued in the public interest, etc.
-A project carried out by a political or religious organization or any equivalent organization, etc.
-A highly political or religious project, etc.
-A project that may promote the interests of a specific organization, etc.
-A project to be hosted by an organization of dubious competence in project management, etc.
-A project that is not expected to promote international friendship.
-A project that is not expected to promote friendship between Japan and other countries, etc.
-A project that violates or may violate any law or regulation of the venue of the project, etc.
-Any other project found to be diplomatically inappropriate, such as contrary to the purpose of TICAD
3. Important Notices
(1) In case an event is organized by more than one organization, the organizers are kindly requested to specify a main organizer at the time of the application.
(2) Certification of the official side events does not mean any financial or physical support from the Government of Japan.
(3) All the responsibilities as for holding an event are to be borne by an event organizer, even though the event is certified as a TICAD 9 Partner Project. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not take any responsibility for any claims by participants in the events.
(4) Even though an event meets criteria for approval as the official side event, the event will not always be certified as an official side event due to the high number of applications. The criteria for approval of an official side event described in 2. (3) above is subject to change by the Secretariat for TICAD due to applications situation.
(5) All applications must be submitted by e-mail.
(6) An organizer is kindly requested to send a report of the event in English within one month after the event by e-mail to the Secretariat for TICAD.
(7) In case any modification is made, such as modification of an implementation plan or cancellation of the event, the organizer must inform the Secretariat for TICAD about such modification immediately.
(8) Even though an event is certified as an official side event, certification may be cancelled in such cases as false application or violation of criteria for approval are revealed, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers cancellation is necessary.
(9) For projects to be held in Yokohama, the host city of TICAD 9, the Secretariat for TICAD will share submitted documents with the City of Yokohama which plans to publish their contents on its website and other materials prepared by the city.
(10) Projects that are in line with the purpose of TICAD 9 Partner Project will be able to use the TICAD 9 logo after receiving approval. For applicants who wish to use the logo only without holding events (e.g., publications), please contact the Secretariat for TICAD.
(11) The logo will be sent after approval for applicants who wish to use the logo. The usage of the logo will be restricted for purpose that is declared upon application.
(12) Please do not edit the design of the logo. Please make sufficient space between the logo and words or other designs. Please make sure that the words written on the logo is readable in size. For further details, please consult with the Secretariat for TICAD.
(13) An organization approved for a partner project may include the TICAD 9 logo on the business cards of persons affiliated with the organization, provided that the logo is not used for commercial purposes. In addition, such cards must include the following statement: “We are organizing a TICAD 9 partner project”.
(14) Partner Projects that are held in the vicinity of the venue during TICAD 9 can be referred to as “Thematic Events”
4. Procedure of application
(1) After the start of the application period, the Secretariat for TICAD will review the applications, and the results of the screening process will be notified individually and sequentially. The final application deadline is Friday, 31st October 2025.
(2) The application must be submitted three weeks before the project.
(3) Information on TICAD 9 Partner Projects will be posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and related social networking sites.
(4) Objections to the results of the screening process will not be accepted.
5. Application documents
Application for the TICAD 9 Partner Project (Excel) Project Plan (Word) Note 1: Brochures or other documents could be submitted in place of the Project Plan. Note 2: Additional documents may be required upon judgment of the application. Notification of change / cancelation on the TICAD Partner Project (Word) Report for the TICAD 9 Partner Project (Word)
6. Contacts
Secretariat for TICAD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan E-mail address: ticad9-contact@mofa.go.jp
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a new mandatory regulation requiring all importers must provide a “Certificate of Origin” also called “COO” for all goods entering the country.
In an announcement issued on July 9, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) issued a remonder that effective from July 1, 2025, it is mandatory for all consignments imported into Republic of Kenya to be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (COO).
The COO should be issued by a competent authority from the country of export. The mandatory requirement is in line with the amended Tax Procedures Act (CAP 469B, Section 44A) under the Finance Act 2025, which is introduced to help the government verify where imported goods come from.
The authority warned that penalties for non-compliance will be imposed by seizing the imported goods, and those importers who fail to present a valid COO will not be allowed to clear their goods, and they risk losing them to the government.
According to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), a competent authority issuing the COO refers to a government agency or officially designated body in the exporting country that is authorized to issue certificates of origin.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) gave importers until September 30, 2025, to adjust and get the required documentation.
The Certificate of Origin requirements:
Name and address of exporter
Name and address of importer
Port of origin
Accurate description of the goods
Quantity of the goods
Country of origin
Country of destination
Where to get Certificate of Origin in Japan
The local authorities and/or “Made in Japan Organization” may help in issuing the certificate. For more detail contact by email at below info@madeinjapan.or.jp
For three days from Tuesday, February 18, to Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Asian Export Control Seminar was held in Tokyo by the Center for Information on Security Trade Controls (CISTEC) as an organizer, jointly with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) as co-organizers. This time was the 31st such seminar, and it brought together around 170 people from about 30 countries and regions and international organizations.
Background to and overview of the seminar
The seminar aims to encourage Asian countries and regions to introduce export control systems and enhance their implementation, thereby contributing to an international effort for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The seminar works to provide an opportunity for experts from government agencies and international organizations around the world, including Asia, to gather to exchange views and share information, including the latest challenges and best practices of export control implementation, thereby supporting the awareness raising of the importance of export control.
Outline of the seminar
(1) Highlights of the seminar
Opening remarks
Mr. Koga Yuichiro, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, delivered the opening remarks. He pointed out that the development of an export control system in Asian countries has been steadily advancing since the 1990s, but security issues remain because of changes in the international situation. He also mentioned that the rapid progress of advanced technologies, including advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, has the potential to bring about changes in the military field. He also stated that Japan as well has been advancing the review of its security export control system.
Moreover, he emphasized that the Asian region plays an important role in the global supply chain as a manufacturing and distribution base for goods and technologies critical to security, including advanced electronic components, and also that accordingly, it is important for Asian countries to promote the introduction of security export control systems and take action to enhance the effectiveness of their implementation in order to ensure the security of the Asian region and the world. Furthermore, he explained that Japan has been promoting cooperation with other Asian countries on practical aspects of export control, including by providing training courses for licensing officers and outreach events for industry, and mentioned that Japan has also been working to simplify procedures with countries that implement the export control systems properly.
Latest trends in the development of export control systems
Presenters of Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada explained their efforts to respond to the recent evolution of technology and changes in the international situation, including export control of emerging technologies, amendment of catch-all control systems, efforts for economic security, and the importance of a balance between security and free economic activities. In addition, they exchanged views on their efforts to address various challenges on export control, including strengthening the involvement of industry and developing outreach activities to the academic sector.
Export control systems in Asian countries and regions
Presenters of Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, Lao PDR, Cambodia, China, Viet Nam, and Pakistan explained their latest export control systems. They presented their efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1540 as well as those to develop their export control systems and enhance their implementation. In addition, they exchanged views not only on organizations and licensing practices of export control authorities but also on new challenges, including control of technology transfer, export control of emerging technologies, and measures against financing for the WMDs proliferation.
Procurement activities by entities of concern
Experts in the field of non-proliferation of WMD made presentations on the theme of procurement activities by entities of concern. They explained [i] the importance of enhancing cooperation among export control authorities against the backdrop of diversifying procurement activities by entities of concern to access technology information as well as the challenges faced by universities and companies in enhancing measures for preventing the unintended technology outflow and [ii] the current situation of illicit procurement by country subject to the UN sanctions and specific case examples of procurement networks based on the reports of the Panel in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1874.
Thematic session (intangible technology transfer)
Presenters of Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Norway focused on the efforts of universities and research institutions to control intangible technology transfer and explained the amendment of relevant regulations, including deemed export control, case studies on the violations of laws, and outreach activities by export control authorities.
Thematic session (export licensing examination)
Presenters of Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, India, and Singapore explained their efforts, including export licensing systems, examination policies, export examination procedures, inter-agency cooperation, and best practices.
Thematic session (enforcement of and compliance with laws)
Presenters of the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and Australia focused on their efforts for the enforcement of legal systems and compliance with laws and explained their penal provisions, measures for voluntary disclosure to mitigate penalties, outreach activities to industrial players, case studies on law enforcement, and inter-agency cooperation in law enforcement.
Presentations by international organizations and international export control regimes
Representatives of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), and a think tank explained the latest efforts by these organizations. In addition, the chairpersons and head of the secretariat of the multilateral export control regimes, namely the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG), and the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), explained the initiatives of the respective export control regimes in light of the evolution of technology.
(2) Results of the seminar
The 31st seminar brought together around 170 stakeholders of export control from many countries in Asia and around the world, international organizations, and multilateral export control regimes. Following on from the previous seminar, participants engaged in a lively exchange of views, including a sharing of best practices, on challenges involving export control, respective countries’ efforts to address these challenges, and effective methods for implementing export control, and this helped participants to further strengthen the network among them. METI will continue to conduct outreach activities to Asian countries and regions, including this seminar, and make efforts to support them in establishing export control systems and enhance the effectiveness thereof.
Since the previous revision of the Strategic Energy Plan in October 2021, the energy situation surrounding Japan has changed. In light of this, the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy advanced discussions on the next Strategic Energy Plan. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) hereby announces that a Cabinet Decision was made on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan on February 18, 2025, today, following the Public Comments Procedure and other processes.
Background
The Government of Japan formulates the Strategic Energy Plan under the Basic Act on Energy Policy to show the basic directions for Japan’s energy policies. The Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy started discussions on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan in May 2024 and presented the draft version of the plan on December 17, 2024. Following this, a Cabinet Decision was made on the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan on February 18, 2025, today, after going through the Public Comment Procedure and other processes.
Outline
Since the previous revision of the Strategic Energy Plan in October 2021, the energy situation surrounding Japan has changed dramatically. In light of these changes, METI revised the Strategic Energy Plan in a manner that is consistent with the new target of reducing greenhouse gases by 73% in FY2040 (from the FY2013).
In conjunction with the GX2040 Vision and the Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures, both of which were approved by the Cabinet today, February 18, 2025, we will strive to achieve stable energy supply, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the 26th Japan-EU Industrial Policy Dialogue was held, attended by Mr. Matsuo Takahiko, Vice Minister for International Affairs of METI, from the Japanese side, and Ms. Kerstin Jorna, Director-General, DG GROW, from the EU side.
On Thursday, February 13, Mr. Matsuo Takahiko, Vice Minister for International Affairs of METI, from the Japanese side, and Ms. Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of DG GROW from the EU side, co-chaired the 26th Japan-EU Industrial Policy Dialogue.
They discussed the challenges faced by Japan and the EU in strengthening competitiveness and further promoting cooperation.
Additionally, it was agreed to continue advancing discussions, including those involving private enterprises, to enhance mutual understanding of the challenges faced by Japan and the EU.
Joint Press Release with the Japan External Trade Organizatio
The government of the United States announced on Saturday, February 1, 2025, that it decided to impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China. As an effort to support Japanese SMEs and other companies that may be affected by the tariff measures, including those expanding their business in these three countries, today, on February 2, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) jointly opened a Consultation Desk on U.S. Tariff Measures for Japanese Companies to address the measures.
Background
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, the U.S. government announced that it decided to impose additional tariffs of 25% on all imports from Canada and Mexico (10% on energy resources from Canada) and 10% on all imports from China. In response, METI considers it important to do the utmost to support Japanese companies that may be affected by the U.S. tariff measures, and in particular to provide meticulous support tailored to SMEs. To this end, today, on February 2, 2025, METI and JETRO jointly opened a Consultation Desk on U.S. Tariff Measures for Japanese Companies.
Details of the consultation desk
METI and JETRO jointly established a Consultation Desk on U.S. Tariff Measures for Japanese Companies at the JETRO Headquarters. There are officers with expertise in issues in the North American region to provide Japanese companies in a wide variety of fields with individual-based consultation services. Moreover, they will open consultation counters not only in JETRO offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and China, but also in 49 JETRO offices across Japan, including the JETRO Osaka. These offices will provide consultation services to companies in collaboration with the JETRO Headquarters.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and the Bangkok Office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) jointly held the Japan-Thailand Public-Private Automotive Business Forum in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, as an event to fortify greater Japan-Thailand solidarity through the automotive industry and in preparation for a Japan-Thailand Energy and Industrial Dialogue.
Overview
At this forum, public and private stakeholders involved in the automobile industry from Japan and Thailand held speeches before about 700 participants, including those online. Following this, panel discussions were held on four themes.
Prior to the panel discussions, Mr. Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand, each delivered opening remarks as video messages. The ministers confirmed the historic bonds between the Japanese and Thai automotive industries and also conveyed the need for further cooperation between Japan and Thailand, including the early holding of a Japan-Thailand energy and industrial dialogue, to develop the next-generation automotive industry.
Keynote speeches
Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General, Board of Investment, both delivered keynote speeches as representatives of Japan and Thailand respectively.
Focusing on the theme of “Automotive Industry Policy Dealing with GX and DX,” Vice-Minister Matsuo conveyed two messages to the effect that Japan places the main axis of its strategies for automobiles on a multi-pathway strategy, which is an approach to achieving decarbonization through diverse options, including EVs, FCVs, hybrid vehicles, and the utilization of biofuels and synthetic fuels. He stated that Japan will work together with Thailand to co-create the next-generation automotive industry through the fields of next-generation fuels, data utilization, and a circular economy, and will continue to maintain harmony with Thailand, which is a trusted partner for Japan, and thereby jointly cultivate the future together.
Panel discussions
Stakeholders from the two countries participated in panel discussions and engaged in lively dialogues focusing on the following four themes: [i] the strengths and challenges of Thailand as an Asian automobile production/export hub, [ii] the current status and future prospects of the automotive supply chain, [iii] the circular economy and ecosystem, and [iv] the potential of hydrogen, e-fuel, and biofuel.
Joint Press Release with the Consumer Affairs Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Based on the “Communiqué on Product Safety Pledges” that the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) publicized, the Japanese “Product Safety Pledges” (hereinafter referred to as the “Pledges”) were formulated by related ministries and agencies for consumer products, including the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (hereinafter referred to as the “related ministries and agencies”), in collaboration with the operators of online marketplaces (hereinafter referred to as the “OM”), aiming to further protect consumers more than ever from the risk of harm to their lives and bodies posed by recalled products and unsafe products.
As of June 29, 2023, today, seven major OM operators signed the Pledges.
The OM operators that have signed the Pledges will be required to conduct: [ⅰ] efforts to remove entries of recalled products and products that violate laws and regulations governing safety standards and other criteria, [ⅱ] efforts in response to the notices from consumers of entries related to recalled products and products that violate such laws and regulations, and [ⅲ] establishment and maintenance of an internal control system to make these efforts. This approach will contribute to further improving the safety of products that consumers purchase at OM run by these operators.
1. The Pledges
Based on the “Communiqué on Product Safety Pledges” that OECD publicized,(1) the Pledges were formulated by the related ministries and agencies in collaboration with major OM operators.(2)
Aiming to further protect consumers more than ever(3) from the risk of harm to their lives and bodies posed by recalled products and unsafe products,(4) e.g., fire from such products, that have been placed or sold on OM, the Pledges are voluntary efforts in public-private collaboration(5) across the legal frameworks for product safety. The scope of businesses covered includes both B-to-C businesses, e.g., large online shopping malls, and C-to-C businesses, e.g., online flea markets and online auctions.
Moreover, the Pledges are composed of three parts: [ⅰ] main text of the Pledges, which consists of 12 pledge items in total (see Appendix 1), [ⅱ] Guidance for OM Operators, which is a reference material for such operators in understanding the details of the Pledges (see Appendix 2) and [ⅲ] Guide for Personnel in Charge, which was compiled by the related ministries and agencies(6) about ideal approaches, concrete details of efforts and procedures involving unsafe products and others (see Appendix 2). The public and private sectors are expected to collaboratively execute the Pledges.
Notes:
(1) See the Communiqué on Product Safety Pledges released on the CAA website.
(2) Online marketplaces, also called “malls or online malls” in Japan, are herein referred to as “online marketplaces” to clarify that businesses that provide a “site” for online product transactions are the targets of the Pledges.
(3) To secure the safety of consumer products, the public and private sectors have been collaboratively advancing efforts, including the removal of entries by OM operators and the issuance of alerts by the related ministries and agencies. The Product Safety Pledges are to expand and improve these efforts.
(4) Application stores and digital advertisement do not fall under the coverage of the Pledges.
(5) The Pledges are based on voluntary efforts and are not a scheme under certain laws.
(6) The number of related ministries and agencies is expected to increase in the future.
2. Participation of OM operators in the Pledges
If an OM operator has a sufficient ability to conduct all 12 pledge items in the Pledges(7) and it wishes to participate in the Pledges, it should submit a document stating how it undertakes the 12 pledge items in advance and also file with the CAA a copy of the pledge document of the Pledges with a signature of its representative.
In response, the CAA will post on its website the information of the operator, including a copy of the signed pledge document, the name of the operator (or all operators, if any) and a list of OM operators that have signed the Pledges.
As of June 29, 2023, the number of OM operators that have signed the Pledges was seven (see Appendix 3).
Note:
(7) No restrictions of participation in the Pledges, such as capital adequacy ratios and other financial regulations, are imposed.
3. Concrete details of the Pledges
The main text of the Pledges (Appendix 1) presents the details of all 12 pledge items.
For example, an OM operator that has signed the Pledges should check the websites of the regulatory authorities, etc. concerning recalled products and unsafe products(8) on a regular basis and remove entries of such products in response to a request from the authorities and, if it is notified by any consumers of such products, it should take appropriate actions in accordance with the handling processes that the operator has determined in advance.
Moreover, such OM operator should build a system required to take: [ⅰ] appropriate measures, including suspension of accounts of malicious sellers and [ⅱ] appropriate measures to prevent recalled and unsafe products from re-entry.
Based on this, the regulatory authorities should undertake the Pledges in a public-private collaborative manner to make the Pledges effectively functional through such efforts as: [ⅰ] providing OM operators with information on sellers of recalled products and unsafe products and other data, and [ⅱ] providing OM operators with explanatory materials targeting sellers (e.g., information on the ST Marks of the Japan Toy Association or the SG Marks of the Japan Product Safety Association).
These efforts are expected to facilitate sales of safer products on the OM run by the OM operators that have signed the Pledges and further improve consumer safety.
Note:
(8) “Recalled products and unsafe products” refers to, for example, products that fall into the list of items subject to the PS Mark system but do not indicate a PS Mark under the laws and regulations. The related ministries and agencies decide on specifics of such products.
4. Annual check of OM operators’ execution of the Pledges (continuous quality assurance)
From all OM operators that have signed the Pledges, the CAA will receive an annual report on their performance results using key performance indicators (KPIs) and check if the operators continue to conduct efforts involving the Pledges.
In addition, the CAA should compile the results of the check, hold discussions with all related ministries and agencies as well as with all OM operators, and then publicize the overall situation of OM operators that have signed the Pledges. Through this process for an annual check of OM operators’ execution of the Pledges, these operators are able to continue to secure the quality of the Pledges.
5. International trends in and background to product safety pledges
Product safety pledges have been signed by multiple OM operators in a collaborative framework between the operators and the European Commission in June 2018; between the operators and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Australia in November 2020; and between the operators and the Fair Trade Commission and the Consumer Agency of the Republic of Korea in April 2021.
Moreover, the OECD International Conference on the Consumer Marketplace of the Future held from June 15 to 17, 2021, released the Communiqué on Product Safety Pledges, stating the main commitments that are required to be shown in product safety pledges.
In response, Japan reported that it would start efforts for formulating its own product safety pledges before the “Joint Meeting of the Consumer Product Safety Subcommittee under the Industrial Safety and Consumer Product Safety Committee of the Industrial Structure Council and the Product Safety Committee under the Council for Consumption Economy” as a METI body(9) held on March 25, 2022.
Note:
(9) The CAA and the METI have jurisdiction over the Consumer Products Safety Act, a general law on consumer products.
6. Characteristics of the Japanese version of Product Safety Pledges
Japan formulated the Product Safety Pledges in close collaboration with major domestic OM operators, while complying with the pledge items stated in the Communiqué on Product Safety Pledges of OECD, of which Japan is a member, and also referring to the current situations of such pledges in the European Commission and Australia.
Before the formulation of the Pledges, METI had required major OM operators to take certain actions, e.g., “those to exhibitors suspected of violating laws and regulations.”(10) As these operators have signed the Pledges, a new framework for product safety on OM has now been created in Japan.(11)
The Pledges that OM operators should execute in Japan satisfy a common scheme among those in the European Commission and Australia. Moreover, the Pledges contain Japan’s unique actions that place more emphasis on consumer protection, for example, submission of an annual report on consumer measures, e.g., “actual workflows that the operators have undertaken,” using KPIs.
From an international viewpoint, the Pledges are an effort in line with efforts by the European Commission and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Australia in terms of product safety pledges in which KPIs are set.
Notes:
(10) In addition, METI established a collaborative tie with OM operators ahead of other countries, e.g., examination by OM operators of products subject to laws and regulations prior to selling them on OM. METI has also been encouraging OM operators, through liaison meetings, to conduct such efforts as the examination of products prior to selling them and patrol activities to encourage sellers to observe laws and regulations.
See “Trends in Product Safety Administration” on the METI website.
(11) Under this framework, multiple ministries and agencies with jurisdiction over consumer products will be permitted to [i] designate the website that OM operators should refer to in removing entries of recalled or unsafe products and [ii] clarify the definitions of unsafe products by law, thereby allowing OM operators to expand the coverage of products subject to the removal and making comprehensive actions for such products.
7. Comments from OM operators that have signed the Pledges
For comments that seven OM operators that have signed the Pledges made on their efforts, see Appendix 4.
– Effort for improving product safety in both Japan and Thailand –
June 27, 2023
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) hereby announces that on June 27 (Tue.), 2023, the Industrial and Product Safety Policy Group, METI, Japan, and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (hereinafter referred to as “OCPB”), Thailand, concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Product Safety.
This conclusion of the MOC is expected to contribute to improving the safety of products distributed in markets in Japan and Thailand.
Background to the conclusion
Recently, consumers in Japan have been facing a variety of fatal, fire and other accidents caused by consumer products against the background of expanding global supply chains and the cross-border trading that has been popularized through online commerce. In this trend, aiming to disseminate Japan’s product safety systems in Thailand, METI, in cooperation with the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (hereinafter referred to as “NITE”), has been providing training courses and other educational opportunities since FY2017 related to Japan’s policies for product safety and NITE’s methods for analyzing product accidents to the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (hereinafter referred to as “TISI”), OCPB, the Royal Thai Police and other authorities responsible for product safety in Thailand, which is one of the major countries from which Japan imports products.
Taking into consideration the past efforts, OCPB, which is one of the authorities responsible for product safety in Thailand, and the METI Industrial and Product Safety Policy Group decided to conclude the MOC on Product Safety, aiming to further improve the safety of products distributed on markets in both Japan and Thailand.
This is the second case in which the METI Industrial and Product Safety Policy Group concluded the MOC with a Thai authority responsible for product safety, following the MOC with TISI. METI will continue to further advance the cooperation with both of the organizations to secure consumer product safety.
Overview of the MOC
(1) Title of the MOC
MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION (MOC) BETWEEN OFFICE OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD, OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, KINGDOM OF THAILAND AND THE INDUSTRIAL AND PRODUCT SAFETY POLICY GROUP OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF JAPAN
(2) Signees
Japanese side: Mr. Tsujimoto Keisuke, Director-General for Technology Policy Coordination and Industrial and Product Safety, Minister’s Secretariat, METI Thai side: Mr. Thasornatt Thanitthipun, Secretary General , OCPB
(3) Details of cooperation
Exchange of information and opinions on the following matters.
Information on serious accidents associated with consumer products that occurred in Japan and Thailand;
Information on consumer product recall operations in Japan and Thailand;
Information on identified risks and improvement measures taken with respect to consumer products distributed in Japan and Thailand; etc.
Exchange of opinions by convening regular meetings, including collaborative efforts with domestic related organizations, e.g., NITE, in Japan and Thailand
