Japan to draw up guidelines on reuse business

The Japanese Environment Ministry is set to develop guidelines in 2027 to foster trustworthy reuse companies, aiming to provide consumers with a secure platform for buying and selling used goods. Disputes between customers and some unscrupulous firms have surfaced, prompting the ministry to urge reuse businesses to adhere to regulations and safeguard consumers. The guidelines will establish benchmarks for reliable enterprises, emphasizing the importance of transparent practices and quality checks.

The Japan Reuse Affairs Association has designated August 8 as Reuse Day, an initiative to heighten public awareness of reuse services. The association has also implemented its own certification system to build consumer trust. Regrettably, unauthorized businesses have emerged, employing questionable tactics like charging exorbitant fees following free product collection advertisements or conducting unsolicited home visits to purchase used items.

The upcoming guidelines, to be deliberated by an expert panel, are anticipated to delineate steps reuse businesses and flea market app operators must undertake. These measures may encompass refraining from deceptive advertising language and verifying the condition of items before sale. Additionally, the ministry may contemplate implementing a system to identify and support commendable business operators.

The Japanese government aims to augment the reuse market by 30%, projecting its value to reach ¥4.6 trillion ($29.1 billion) by 2030, up from an estimated ¥3.5 trillion in 2024. To achieve this objective, the government intends to expedite efforts to promote the sector's healthy growth, striving to establish a secure and dependable market by 2040.