TOKYO -- The Consumer Affairs Agency in Japan has warned three companies for selling products that were marketed as bicycle helmets despite not meeting safety standards and regulations.

The agency announced on Dec. 12 that it had issued an order to the companies, Kuramae Seiyaku and Infinity in Tokyo and Kuromachikku Fuga in Fukuoka Prefecture, to prevent a recurrence, as selling the items constitutes misleading representation prohibited under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations. Under the revised Road Traffic Act, which took effect in April 2023, cyclists are obligated to make an effort to wear helmets.

According to the agency, the three companies sold products on internet shopping sites claiming they were "certified" with the European Union's "CE marking," which indicates compliance with various standards. These products prioritized design, such as hat-style and cap-style helmets, and they did not actually meet safety standards.

Since there are also other products not meeting safety standards being sold, the consumer agency is calling for caution against helmets that do not have a shock-absorbing layer on the entire inside, that do not provide sufficient visibility when worn, and that allow the chinstrap to be detached.

(Japanese original by Nanako Hori, Lifestyle, Science & Environment News Department)