Vietnam demand for child car seats spikes after safety rule

A new Vietnamese regulation requiring children under 10 years old and under 1.35 m tall to use a dedicated car seat has triggered a rapid increase in consumer demand. Parents in Hanoi such as Nguyễn Thu Hằng, who has a 4‑year‑old son, say they previously believed the rear seat was sufficient and only learned of the requirement after reading the new rule.

Because the market offers hundreds of models—ranging from low‑cost units sold for about 150,000 VND to premium seats priced up to 15 million VND—parents report difficulty choosing the right product. Surveys of automotive accessory shops and e‑commerce platforms show consultation visits multiplying several‑fold in late June, with many shoppers unsure which seat fits their child’s age, height and weight. Retailers forecast continued growth as families become more aware of the safety benefits and legal obligations. The flood of products also includes low‑quality items of unclear origin, some identified as “domestic Chinese” goods, adding to consumer confusion.