Hit by raw material shortage triggered by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, eight major Japanese automakers including Toyota and Honda, together with nationwide auto component suppliers, roll out unified new inspection standards co-formulated by JAMA and JAFA. The industry abandons its long strict zero-defect rule and approves parts with minor cosmetic flaws for vehicle assembly to ease supply chain strains from tight raw material supply.

Clear quality red lines are set under the updated policy: rigorous criteria remain unchanged for core components related to braking, chassis and powertrain which directly determine driving safety. Only parts with trivial non-functional defects such as tiny black spots, faint scratches and harmless molding burrs get exempted from scrapping. Previously over 60% discarded plastic connectors for wiring harness were rejected merely for surface specks; the new rule will cut nearly 10,000 monthly component wastes across Japan and streamline redundant quality inspection hours.

For decades each Japanese car brand followed separate component acceptance rules, forcing suppliers to comply with diversified checklists and causing massive resource waste. The unified norm puts an end to fragmented standards. Toyota sets up a dedicated evaluation department and regularly holds joint review meetings with Honda, Subaru and over 450 domestic component manufacturers to push steady implementation.

Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports for around 70% automotive aluminum and 65% naphtha. Blocked shipping at Strait of Hormuz sends prices of plastic and chemical feedstock soaring and tightens inventory. Relaxing cosmetic requirements helps maximize raw material utilization without compromising vehicle safety, securing stable vehicle output amid industry-wide material crunch.