Japan Steps Up Safety and Recycling Measures Amid Rise in Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

12. February 2026

Japan is facing heightened safety concerns as incidents involving lithium-ion battery-powered products continue to rise, driven in part by extreme summer heat and year-round use of rechargeable devices. Authorities note that batteries used in common items such as smartphones, mobile power banks, electric-assist bicycles, handheld fans, and heated clothing are sensitive to heat, impact, and overcharging, which can trigger fires. The growing circulation of low-cost, low-quality products has further amplified these risks. Data from national agencies indicate thousands of battery-related accidents over recent years, prompting increased attention to product safety, recall monitoring, and consumer awareness. Li-Ion Battery related equipment and components usually require PSE certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Japan.

In addition to accidents during use, improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries has caused fires in garbage trucks and waste-processing facilities, resulting in equipment damage and operational shutdowns. To address this, Japanese authorities are strengthening guidance on disposal practices, emphasizing separate collection and recycling through designated channels, while acknowledging that sorting remains difficult for consumers due to product design and varying municipal rules. Regulatory bodies have expanded the scope of designated recyclable products to include smartphones, mobile batteries, and heated tobacco devices, placing new collection and recycling obligations on manufacturers from next year. Multiple government agencies have also established a coordination framework to develop comprehensive preventive measures, with a focus on public outreach, recall awareness, and safer handling of lithium-ion batteries.

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