The Japan Wheelchair Manufacturers' Association also has its own voluntary safety standards, but these do not apply to imports. Finished wheelchairs are not imposed the consumption tax. Wheelchairs are being made lighter to make them easier to carry around and load into cars. Stainless steel products weigh 20kg, aluminum alloy ones weigh 12-13kg, and titanium ones weigh 7kg. Plastic wheelchairs reinforced with carbon fiber are even lighter.
Imports tend to be colorful models and sports types aimed at younger users.
All are ready made rather than made to order. The Japan Wheelchair Manufacturers' Association takes out product liability insurance, and automakers, bicycle manufacturers and other wheelchair makers take out product liability on an individual basis. Fortunately, however, there have to date been practically no claims. In the city of Osaka, the health and welfare services divisions in each ward, which serve as the local secretariats for the Council of Groups for the Physically Handicapped, keep wheelchairs for loan. Applications for the use of wheelchairs are made to the division director, whose decision it is to determine whether the applicant is eligible.