Japanese Automakers Unify Standards for Defective Component Judgement

[Supply Chain Adjustment] Japanese automakers, including Toyota, have jointly established new guidelines for judging defective components to address tight raw material supplies.

Core Development: Minor Defects Tolerated for Non-Critical Parts

Components previously scrapped due to superficial flaws—such as black spots or minor scratches—will now be permitted for vehicle assembly as long as functionality and safety remain unaffected. Standards for critical components, including braking systems, powertrain, and body structure, remain unchanged.

Key Metrics: Monthly Scrap Reduction by Tens of Thousands

Taking plastic connectors for automotive wiring harnesses as an example, the new rules are expected to reduce monthly scrap by approximately 10,000 units; about 60% of these scrapped items were previously rejected solely due to harmless surface black spots. Quality inspection man-hours are also reduced accordingly.

Strategic Rationale: Mitigating Naphtha Supply Disruption Risks

Amid Middle East tensions disrupting supplies of plastics and interior materials, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the Japan Automotive Parts Industries Association (JAPIA) are driving standardization to improve yield rates and ensure stable production.