Mandatory Child Car Seats: Surge in Orders, Skyrocketing Prices

Customers Rush to Buy, Stores Run Out of Stock

Upon hearing about the new regulation, Ms. Dao (An Khanh, Hanoi) hurried to purchase a child car seat for her 4-year-old son. However, everywhere she went, only a few models remained, priced above 10 million VND—far exceeding her expectations.

The owner of the auto accessory store where Ms. Dao shopped noted a three to fourfold increase in customers inquiring about child car seats over the past three days compared to before the regulation was widely publicized. “Previously, customers mainly bought seats when preparing for a newborn or purchasing a new car. Now, many families are buying to stay ahead of the regulation,” they explained.

Ms. Hoai Thu, owner of an online auto accessory store, observed a similar trend. According to her, the most significant fluctuations are in the entry-level and mid-range segments, typically the best-selling categories. Models priced between 2-4 million VND have seen increases of several hundred thousand to one million VND due to a surge in orders. Most of these are imported from Asia or produced by international brands in the region.

In the mid-range segment (4-8 million VND), many models featuring ISOFIX, flexible recline modes, and long-term usability are also becoming scarce. Brands from the UK, US, and Japan have seen order volumes rise much faster than anticipated.

The shortage arises as demand spikes while imported goods require time for inspection and shipping. “Many models I’ve had to inform customers are temporarily out of stock, with new batches expected in a few weeks,” Ms. Thu said.

Since most child car seats are imported as complete units, restocking cannot happen immediately. Major distribution systems report ongoing negotiations to increase import volumes, but clearance and product inspection times prevent a swift supply recovery.

Many businesses predict the market will remain heated until mid-2026. Some popular models may even face localized shortages as supply struggles to meet demand.

Check Standards, Follow Installation Instructions

Speaking with Tien Phong Newspaper, Mr. Chu Quang Thai—Deputy Secretary-General and Deputy Head of Technology at the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMOBA)—emphasized that child car seats are essential for children’s safety and driver peace of mind. Automakers, he suggested, should consider adding detachable seat belts or infant inserts while integrating child reminder systems—a lesson learned from tragic incidents in other countries.

Mr. Thai proposed treating child seats or ISOFIX systems (the international standard for child seat anchor points, using rigid metal connectors for secure installation) as optional accessories initially to ease pressure on manufacturers. Users could then choose suitable brands instead of adhering to rigid standards.

For existing vehicles, manufacturers should proactively provide technical support, installation guidance, or recommendations for safe products. “With new policies, businesses must step up. Current technology is more than capable,” Mr. Thai stated.

Mr. Thai also suggested mandating seats only on roads with speeds exceeding 60km/h. For children accompanied by adults, these should be encouraged rather than enforced. Determining necessity, he added, requires accident data analysis related to non-usage to establish age- and road-appropriate regulations.

Mr. Pham Viet Cuong, Director of the Policy Research and Injury Prevention Center at the Public Health University, advised buyers to check expiration dates and standards like R44, R129, or QCVN 123:2024. Used items pose risks, especially without re-inspection. Buyers should choose reputable sellers and inspect products thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Mr. Duong Kim Tuan, Deputy Director of the Policy Research and Injury Prevention Center, stressed proper installation as critical. A Malaysian study found 95% of 5,000 surveyed cases installed incorrectly, rendering seats ineffective. Older vehicles can meet safety requirements with correctly secured seat belts.