Japan simplifies safety checks for US-made cars

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan on Monday simplified safety test procedures for US-made automobile imports under a bilateral tariff agreement, local media reported.

Under a September trade agreement on tariffs, cars made in the US that have passed local safety tests can be imported into Japan without additional inspections, state broadcaster NHK reported.

US and Japanese automobiles have different requirements, including body impact strength, turn signal color and instrument panel specifications.

A red star-shaped sticker will be affixed to the rear of vehicles that meet the criteria.

The easing of regulations is expected to apply when cars made in the US by Japanese manufacturers are imported into Japan.

Tokyo said the change could lead to a reduction in the US trade deficit with Japan.

In a related move, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Monday decided to use a Japanese manufacturer’s US-made cars as official government vehicles.

The latest development coincides with in-depth talks between the two longtime allies to finalize the first project under a $550 billion investment framework agreed as part of the bilateral tariff deal.

In return for reduced US tariff rates, Japan has pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States.

Both sides are expected to identify specific investment projects, with US President Donald Trump set to make the final decision.