Results of consolidation and analysis of information about actual or potential consumer-related incidents reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency
Part 1 : Trend in consumer issues and consumer attitude / behavior
Chapter 1 : Results of consolidation and analysis of information about actual or potential consumer-related incidents
Section 1 : Results of consolidation and analysis of information about actual or potential consumer-related incidents reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency
[Report to the Diet based on the Consumer Safety Act]
Results of consolidation and analysis of information about actual or potential consumer-related incidents reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency
- The number of actual or potential consumer-related incidents reported to the Consumer Affairs Agency in FY2022 was 15,308.
- The break down is as follows: 1,351 cases were Actual or Potential Serious Accidents reported under the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 1 of the Consumer Safety Act, and 13,957 cases were actual or potential consumer-related incidents reported under the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 2 of the same Act.
- Among these cases, the number of Actual or Potential Accidents Involving Bodily Harm was 4,914, and the number of property-related cases was 10,394.
[Reference] Activities of the Consumer Safety Investigation Commission
- The Consumer Safety Investigation Commission conducted investigations pursuant to the provisions of Article 23, paragraph 1 of the Consumer Safety Act.
- In FY2022, two reports were published. Also, opinions were submitted to the heads of relevant administrative organs.
Accidents involving the use of HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) at esthetic salons, etc.
• Injuries such as nervous / sensory disorder and burns were caused by treatment using a focused ultrasound radiation technology called HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) mainly for slimming or anti-sagging purposes.
<Cause of the accidents>
Treatments were carried out using devices with a high radiation output level and low reliability in terms of safety and / or by persons without the necessary anatomical knowledge for treatments or with insufficient knowledge of adjusting radiation output level and radiation methods.
⇒An investigation report was compiled in March this year, and the following opinions were submitted to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency.
Opinions to the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare:
- The handling of HIFU under the Medical Practitioners' Act should be organized such that HIFU practitioners will be restricted.
- Supervision over the distribution of imported devices should be enhanced
- HIFU practitioners should share information on accidents, etc., among them
Opinion to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry:
• In cooperation with esthetic industry groups, risks associated with HIFU treatments should be widely disseminated to esthetic salons including those not belonging to such industry groups to raise their awareness.
Opinion to the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency:
• The risks should be widely disseminated to consumers to raise their awareness by taking measures such as, but not limited to, fully utilizing social networking services (SNS).
